WASHINGTON — Maryland State Police rescued a hypothermic kayaker from the frigid waters of the Potomac River on Saturday.
The 54-year-old man had been submerged waist-deep in the water but was hoisted to safety by a police helicopter crew after he was able to climb into a rescue basket. He was then flown to eritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland for treatment.
Fire and rescue units from both Frederick and Washington counties were dispatched to the area of the Potomac River just west of the US Rt. 340 bridge in Sandy Hook, Md., around 2 p.m. in search of the kayaker who was reported stranded in the river.
Rescue personnel spotted him as he was clinging to a rock to avoid being swept downstream in the swift, moving water about 75 yards off the Maryland shore.
The kayaker underwent further evaluation and treatment of suspected hypothermia.
