Technical rescue team called to capsized kayak

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County Technical Rescue volunteers had boats in the Barren River off of Upper Iron Bridge Road Monday morning after a report of a woman who capsized in a kayak at about 7 a.m.

Officials said the woman grabbed a kayak that wasn’t hers and took it out onto the water.

Technical rescue team members from Gott, Alvaton, Smiths Grove and Richardsville volunteer fire departments sent out rescue boats in search of the woman and the kayak.

“She camped, last night, up north… with two other subjects. They woke up this morning about sunup, and she was already up, and around 7’oclock they had noticed that she had stolen a kayak, and had took off downstream,” technical rescue team chief Jason Duckett said.

“We put in the river and we went upstream looking for her,” he said.

The search ended when someone on one of the boats found the missing kayak along with footprints leading away from the water.

“They found the kayak upstream and it was positively identified,” said technical rescue member Greg Manley said.

Rescuers verified that the woman, Penelope Moe, was later seen drying her clothes safely ashore.

Officials are now reminding the community to practice safety when enjoying the last few weeks of summer and to use the buddy system in and around the water.

“One key thing is life vests, they save lives and you should always wear a life vest when you are kayaking, canoeing or any boating activities that you’re doing in moving water,” Duckett said.

“You should always go with a friend or somebody else in case one of you capsizes someone can reach out and get help for you,” Duckett said.