2 canoeists disappear on trip down Huron River in Ann Arbor
Updated: Police say it appears the couple abandoned the canoe near Island Park; no foul play suspected
Two people who rented a canoe for an afternoon trip down the Huron River failed to return as expected Saturday evening and haven't been found since, Ann Arbor police said.
A 43-year-old Whitmore Lake man and a female companion rented a canoe at 4 p.m. from Argo Canoe Livery and were expected at the Gallup Canoe Livery at 6:30 p.m. to catch a bus back to Argo, police Sgt. Andy Zazula said.
When they failed to show up, an employee called police at about 8 p.m. Ann Arbor police, University of Michigan police, city firefighters and a dive team searched along the river for the couple or the canoe, Zazula said.
They didn't locate the people or the canoe. Police contacted the man's father, who hadn't heard from his son, Zazula said. Police don't have any information on the female companion.
It's unclear whether they had a vehicle.
"We don't know whether the canoe is on the bank or was pulled into the woods or what happened," Zazula said.
Police were back searching the river bank this morning, while employees at the livery were expected to canoe the Huron River to search for them.
Anyone with information is asked to call Ann Arbor police at (734) 794-6911.
Comments
cibachrome
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:50 p.m.
Those who denay harm being done should consider that the canoe livery will surely change its policy to insure return of its equipment and to minimize involvement with safety personnel. I'd expect a hefy increase in deposit requirements, proof by credit card, driver's license, passport, Mickey Mouse Club membership and extra fee(s) to protect their business. I think a fishing license also ought to be produced and a swimming certificate.
AfterDark
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.
Scylding, the water looked high yesterday when I drove out Main St. - that downpour really raised the levels. A lot of novice paddlers use the liveries. There's no telling what could have happened. A friend of mine dumped in Gallup Park once and the sudden and unexpected temperature change when he hit the water freaked him out and caused him to briefly panic even though he's experienced and is a good swimmer.
Scylding
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
The water is very low this time of year. I just canoed that stretch recently, and there's no way two people drowned and a canoe could disappear in the water. Something else is going on here.