Missing kayaker sought near American River Confluence, Placer authorities say
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing kayaker last seen at No Hands Bridge near the American River Confluence, according to a social media post from sheriff’s officials Friday night.
The Sheriff’s Office stated it obtained a report around 5 p.m. that a kayaker flipped below No Hands Bridge. Elise Soviar, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, said one kayaker was found safe near rocks by the No Hands Bridge. Soviar added the kayaker swam to shore and held onto the rocks underneath No Hands Bridge.
The search for the second kayaker remains underway, sheriff’s officials said Saturday morning.
The search was temporarily suspended Friday night once it got dark and was activated again Saturday, Soviar said. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving assistance from Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit in looking for the second kayaker, Soviar said.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office is also receiving support from California State Parks, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, Placer sheriff’s officials stated online.
Soviar encouraged hikers and other visitors to avoid the American River Confluence for the time being. She said the waters of the confluence are cold and moving fast, causing an increased risk of similar kayak incidents.
“For anybody on the water this time of year, it’s dangerous,” Soviar said.
