Multiple agencies are currently conducting a search for a missing kayaker on the White River near Norfork.
According to a news release from Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, a 29-year-old Beaumont, Texas, man went missing Saturday afternoon just after 1.
A caller from the River Valley Trail area reported to law enforcement they witnessed a man kayaking with others. The watercraft tipped over in the river, the kayaker began to struggle and went under the water.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was launched and search for several hours, while other rescue personnel searched by boat.
Sheriff Montgomery says the search will continue until dark, but there had been no sign of the man as of 7 p.m. Montgomery says the search will resume Sunday morning, if necessary.
Water conditions are described as “high and swift”, as all generators were in operation at Bull Shoals Dam. Generation was stopped after the incident, but the sheriff says it will take many hours for the water level to drop in the Norfork area.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI