Washington County’s Water Rescue Team makes successful first recovery

A kayaker who missed his expected takeout point on the Holston River near Saltville was treated for moderate hypothermia after Washington County, Virginia’s Water Rescue Team was dispatched for its first-ever callout operation.

A county report said searchers began their task just after 3:30 am Tuesday morning along a seven-mile stretch of the Holston’s North Fork.

The patient was found on a river rocky island then transported by raft to awaiting emergency teams at Hayter’s Gap Station.

“I am extremely proud of the success of this team,” said Theresa K. Kingsley-Varble, the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator. “Their training, preparation, teamwork, and commitment were evident throughout this challenging operation. Most importantly, they were able to help bring a successful conclusion to a potentially dangerous situation.”