Estherville, IA (KICD) — Estherville fire chief Travis Sheridan has provided KICD News with new information about the Saturday River rescue. He says emergency crews had issues reaching the remote section of the West Des Moines River.

A girl – approximately 7 years old – is alive today because her aunt was able to keep her from being sucked under the current.

 

Sheridan says the river is up due to spring rains, and even experienced boaters are staying away right now.

 

There were four adults and four minors in the kayaking party. Two reached shores on their own, the other six had to be retrieved.