Three individuals lost in a remote area east of Oquawka near Henderson Creek were safely rescued on Saturday after a coordinated search effort by local authorities.
Hancock/Henderson 911 and Henderson County Dispatch received reports at 10:33 p.m. that the kayakers, who had been on Henderson Creek earlier that day, became disoriented in a cornfield or wooded area after leaving the creek.
The Oquawka Fire Protection District, Oquawka Ambulance, and sheriff’s deputies responded, using thermal drones and cameras to locate them. A deputy navigated challenging terrain to find two individuals initially, followed by the third after further search. All three were treated for exhaustion and dehydration by ambulance staff.
Henderson County Sheriff Matthew Link said, “This operation highlighted excellent coordination, communication, and teamwork among all involved agencies.”
