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STAR Flight

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STAR Flight Helicopter Short Haul Rescue -- Two Kayakers Pulled From Flooded Lampasas River
Shortly after 5:00 p.m. today, two novices put their new Kayak into the water in the Okalla community at the bridge over FM 2657 in Burnet County, only to have their craft immediately toppled over into the turbulent water of the Lampasas River. The two victims initially thought they would ride their overturned kayak until they reached Stillhouse Hollow Lake, some fifteen miles downstream. Local first responder rescuers initially set up to attempt several land-based rescue attempts. When rescuers failed to reach the two victims, they requested the STAR Flight helicopter for assistance. Large quantities of floating debris interfered with the rescuers efforts to pull the victims to safety. One one attempt, a rescue rope was successfully lowered to the victims, only to have their grips broken by the forces of the flood waters. Austin-Travis County EMS Communications received the first call for assistance at 5:11 p.m. STAR Flight arrived over the scene at 5:40 p.m. and immediately set out to search for the two victims down river. Floating and submerged objects were a very real safety concern for both the victims and the rescue crew members. After several minutes of searching down river, the three person STAR Flight rescue team located the two victims, still clinging to their kayak. STAR Flight nurse rescuer Howard Polden was lowered to the first victim. Polden was suspended by a ninety foot rescue rope attached underneath the belly of the aircraft. The rescue was made all the more difficult as the pilot had to anticipate the velocity of the river in an attempt to keep the rescuer with the victims and their craft. The first victim was lifted from the water and placed safely with first responders on dry land. Polden was lowered again to the second victim, again the kayaker was removed from the flooded river and placed safely on shore. The victims were pulled from the water very close to the small community of Ding Dong, in Bell County, some ten miles from where the victims initially began their journey. Both victims were evaluated for injuries. Neither required treatment. STAR Flight returned to Austin shortly after 6:30 pm. Agencies involved in the rescue include Austin-Travis County EMS STAR Flight, Bell County Sheriff's Office, Burnet County Sheriff's Office, Okalla Volunteer Fire Department.
For videos this rescue, click here... KCEN TV KVUE TV To read more STAR Flight Rescue Reports, click here...

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