Nolichucky Gorge Rescue Sunday April 3, 2022 Late morning a group of paddlers from the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club paddled the Nolichucky Gorge (Put in at Poplar NC to Nolichucky Gorge Campground in Erwin TN) – the level was reported to be between 1400-1600cfs Air Temps were between 50 and 60deg F from the time they put in late morning of Sunday April 3 to the time they took out (not sure yet what time) As the group was navigating through the channels at ‘On The Rocks’ Rapid, one paddler attempted to run through a slot river center. Just below the slot was a cave-like sieve in which he became entrapped in his boat. Rescue efforts ensued and were successful in extracting the boater, but the boat still remains submerged in the sieve. The conditions at the time made it extremely unsafe to attempt to recover the kayak (an Orange Pyranha Machno), which is still in the sieve. Kayaker also was unable to recover his paddle which is likely downstream. Fortunately the rescued kayaker and the rest of the group were unharmed and were able to get off the river and to their shuttle vehicles safely. Unicol County, TN and Mitchell County NC Sheriff’s offices have been notified that the boat is there and that there is no need to locate a missing individual. If someone is able to locate/recover the boat and/or the paddle please reach out to myself via PM so that arrangements can be made to reunite with its now humbled owner. Thank you so much – we are just thankful that we had the outcome we did and that everyone is able to return home to their families and loved ones