COLCHESTER – Eight kayakers were rescued from the choppy waters of Outer Malletts Bay on Saturday morning after Colchester Police’s marine unit received a distress call.

On August 17, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a distress signal was received on Marine Channel 16 indicating that a group of kayakers near the mouth of the Lamoille River required immediate assistance.

The call contained the information that a person had fallen into the water in 60-90 cm high waves during a strong southerly wind.

Responding forces include Colchester Technical Rescue, Colchester Rescue Squad, Colchester Fire Department and the U.S.

A Coast Guard vessel from Burlington Station was quickly dispatched to the scene of the accident.

The kayakers were found south of the Route 2 sandbar.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Colchester Police Marine Unit were able to get all eight people, including the person in the water, onto the Coast Guard vessel.

They were then safely transported to the Malletts Bay public boat ramp.

Upon arrival at the boat ramp, Colchester Rescue Team assessed the kayakers and confirmed there were no injuries.

Following the incident, the Colchester Police Marine Unit issued a safety alert for boaters on Lake Champlain.

They stressed the importance of being aware of changing weather conditions, ensuring all equipment is in good working order, informing someone of the planned route and expected return route, and making safety a top priority by not hesitating to turn back if conditions become too difficult.

For further information regarding this incident or boating safety, contact Corporal Stephen Gutierrez with the Colchester Police Department at 802-264-5555.