(Wayne County, IN) - An afternoon paddle down the Whitewater River turned perilous for three kayakers Saturday afternoon.  

 

The group, which included an eight-month pregnant woman, started out near Richmond Saturday afternoon. After capsizing, they became stranded in a remote area.  Their family reported them missing just after midnight.

 

Indiana Conservation Officers were able to locate the trio around 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Officers used a drone with a thermal sensor to detect the missing people in the dark. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the kayakers had set up camp along the river bank and were able to make a fire to stay warm.

 

The DNR says river levels in that area are still high from rains earlier in the week. They remind boaters everywhere to carefully chart their route, notify friends and relatives of their itinerary, and always wear personal floatation devices.