Two Men OK After Chattahoochee River Incident

Two men from Gwinnett extricated themselves from trouble late Tuesday on the Chattahoochee River near Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee after their canoe capsized. Rescue teams from Forsyth and Gwinnett counties were summoned to the scene, and no injuries were reported.

Two men from the Lawrenceville area had put a canoe into the water at Buford Dam and were planning to exit the river at Jones Bridge Park in Norcross, said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge in a media release.

One man was able to extricate himself from the river south of Settles Bridge on the Forsyth side and was safe. He was able to make contact with Forsyth County authorities.

The second man clung to the borrowed canoe and was carried further downstream before he was able to self extricate. He was a greater distance south of the Settles Bridge area. The man reportedly sought a car ride to Medlock Bridge and came into contact with Gwinnett authorities.

Crews from Forsyth Fire, Gwinnett Fire, John's Creek Fire, Gwinnett Police, and the U.S. Park Service converged on the river to conduct searches. A helicopter from the Gwinnett Police Department also assisted, using infrared technology.

"We are fortunate that tonight's incident ended with a positive outcome. That is not always the case," Rutledge said in a statement. "This is once again an example of the dangers of the Chattahoochee River during and immediately following water generation and after dark.  People are encouraged to check with the dam before going out on the river. Rivergoers should stay off the water during and immediately following generation times and especially after dark."

The men reported having lifejackets in the canoe but were not wearing them at the time of the incident.