

PALMER - A kayaker who lost his paddle became stranded on a concrete platform in the middle of the Chicopee River and had to be rescued by firefighters Monday night.

The man, whose name was not disclosed to the press, was unharmed in the incident, said Palmer police Sgt. Erin Sullivan.

Sullivan said the man was stuck for at least 90 minutes on the platform underneath a railroad bridge at Main and Bridge streets in the Three Rivers Section. He had been kayaking on the river but apparently lost his paddle in the turbulent water and was unable to steer anymore.

Police were notified that he was there at about 7:30 p.m., and he was finally brought to shore just after 9 p.m.

The section of the river is where the Quabog and Ware rivers form the Chicopee River.

Sullivan said the water level was high and the current was moving too fast for the kayaker to consider making it to shore with out help.

He was rescued by firefighters with the Three Rivers, Palmer and Bondsville fire districts.

Firefighters with a boat and safety ropes were able to reach the man and haul him to safety.