Boater Rescue on Mississippi River Prompts Warning in Southeast Minnesota
Winona, MN (KROC-AM News)- For the second time in five days, first responders rescued a boater from the Mississippi River in Winona.
Officials say the Winona County Sheriff’s Office was among several agencies that responded to the report of a boater being in the river Saturday evening. Deputies, the Winona County Dive and Rescue Team, the Winona Fire Department and Winona Area Ambulance all responded to the spillway area of the Prairie Island campground, which is located along the northwestern outskirts of Winona.
Authorities say firefighters rescued the person by boat. They were treated and released from the scene and the dive and rescue team recovered the individual’s boat.
Officials are urging boaters to stay off the river until the high water levels start to recede. They say the rescues endanger first responders and require a large deployment of resources.
Goodview Fire and Rescue, Pickwick Fire and Rescue, Rollingstone Fire Department, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also responded to the water rescue.