Officials Search For Missing Kayaker On Tuolumne River

Sonora, CA — Tuolumne County Sheriff´s Deputies are searching for a missing kayaker on the Tuolumne River.

According to Sergeant DeMartini of Tuolumne County Search and Rescue, the man was part of a group of four kayaking on the river near Clavey Falls late yesterday afternoon.

DeMartini says as the three approached the falls, the group split up. Three of the men decided to go to the right of the falls while one chose to go down the middle.

Authorities say the three who went right made it through while the fourth man went under and became trapped by the rushing waters.

DeMartini says the three waited to see if the fourth would emerge. In that time, the victim´s helmet liner, life vest and oar came through. The men waited for about an hour before continuing down the river to contact police.

Sheriff´s Deputies then flew to the scene this morning where they conducted an aerial search which located a broken kayak but nothing else.

DeMartini says search efforts are continuing.