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Niagara River Rescue

Release Date
Wed, 05/27/2020

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo Sector responded to a call for assistance for two kayakers in distress near Tonawanda.

Yesterday, at approximately 3:00 P.M., Buffalo Sector Communications received information from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding two kayakers in distress near the mouth of the Niagara River and the Erie Canal. A Border Patrol vessel that was patrolling the Niagara River responded to the area and immediately observed two kayakers in distress beneath the Taylor Drive Bridge. The kayakers had become overwhelmed by the swift water and were clinging to the bridge abutment.

U.S Border Patrol Buffalo Sector patrolling the Niagara River.
U.S Border Patrol Buffalo Sector patrolling
the Niagara River.

Agents were able to maneuver their vessel alongside the abutment and pull the kayakers aboard. Agents provided immediate first responder care and quickly transported the persons to the shoreline for awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Both kayakers were evaluated by EMS and found to have no injuries.

“This is a great example of the work our agents do every day to protect and save lives, said Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffery T. Wilson. “There are many locations where the water can be treacherous and deadly.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.

Follow us on Twitter @USBPChiefBUN @USBPDepChiefBUN @CBPBuffalo

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021