Camp Verde AZ (February 24, 2016) – On February 14, 2016, at approximately 7:30 PM, a YCSO deputy was called out regarding 6 kayakers stranded on the Verde River. The group of 6 (5 male/1 female) began their float at Beasley Flat and were going to pull out at Gap Creek, but missed the opportunity and continued down river approximately 1.5 miles and were lost. Their current coordinates were obtained from the 911 call. The Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team’s (YCSRT) Backcountry Unit was called as well as a DPS Ranger helicopter. YCSRT Backcountry members hiked approximately 2.5 miles by trail to reach the subjects at approximately 1 AM the next day.
None of the kayakers had adequate clothing, footwear, food, or water and were very wet and cold. They had started a fire to keep warm. Backcountry members provided dry clothing to the group. Unfortunately they did not have appropriate footwear so the Backcountry team was not able to hike the subjects out. DPS Ranger arrived and eventually transported all subjects to Beasley Flat where Fire/Medical personnel were standing by to evaluate and later release the subjects. DPS Ranger then returned to the Backcountry team for a well-deserved airlift to base camp and the operation concluded at 3:30 AM.