• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

NEWBURG - A canoe trip on Father’s Day turned frightening for two families from Fredonia. The four parents and six children ran into trouble shortly after launching in the Milwaukee River Saturday afternoon. Two of four canoes capsized where the river winds through the Riveredge Nature Center in the Town of Saukville. The families clung to trees on a tiny island in the middle of the river. One of the victims flagged down someone on shore to call for help. This was no ordinary mission for the Newburg Fire Department, a volunteer force. They called in a swift water rescue team from the Cedarburg Fire Department. “It’s tough to see that,” said Asst. Fire Chief Dave Geidel, Newburg Fire Department. “We could have lost half a family out there today.” The dive team moved the distressed canoers one by one into a rescue boat. The six children went first, followed by the four adults. The youngest victim is 7-years-old. Using a rope that linked the island to shore, firefighters slowly pulled all ten people to safety. The river is running high and fast due to recent flooding. Newburg Fire Chief Peter Waldrich believes the conditions are too dangerous for a family canoe trip. “We’re risking our lives, that’s part of our job,” Waldrich said. “They should not have been out there.” Another canoer claims he warned the families before they launched. “I told them, there’s a section of the river down there that’s not exactly relaxing,” said Nathaniel Reinartz. “You gotta be on your game.” One mother suffered minor bruising on her leg. A child incurred some cuts and scratches. There were no other injuries according the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Emergency responders received the initial call at approximately 3:00 p.m. They completed the rescue at about 5:30 p.m. The victims are said to be a 34-year-old man, a 40-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman, a 7-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, an 11-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy. The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department has not yet released their names. Waubeka Fire and Rescue, Thiensville Water Rescue and Cedarburg Emergency Government assisted.