Firefighters rescue kayakers, rafters on the Stanislaus River near Knights Ferry

Firefighters rescued five people who became stranded in the Stanislaus River in two incidents that happened within minutes of each other near Knights Ferry.

The first rescue occurred about 1:30 p.m. Monday after two kayaks were capsized, according to the Modesto Fire Department, which now patrols the river under a contract for service in that area.

Fire officials said the kayakers became stranded in a section of the river with Class II rapids known as Russian Rapids. These rapids are characterized as “rolling haystacks” of water that are exciting but still suitable for those new to rafting, according to Sunshine Rafting, which offers trips along the river.

Rescue crews from the Modesto Fire Department and a crew from the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District responded to the call for help from the kayakers.

Fire officials said the rescue crews quickly found both kayakers and took them to shore with their kayaks on the rescue boat. As the kayakers were dropped off, dispatchers informed rescue crews of a stranded raft.

Three people in an inflatable raft were stranded farther down the river, said Modesto Battalion Chief Mike Shockey. On Tuesday morning, he said he didn’t have information as to how the rafters became stranded or which type of raft they were using.

The rescue crews already in the water responded to the second call for help. The Stanislaus crew launched its boat from the Orange Blossom Recreation Area and quickly rescued the stranded rafters, according to Modesto fire officials.

Firefighters helped the rafters and kayakers on shore with finding rides back to their launch points along the river. Fire officials said the kayakers lost their car keys and cell phones in the rapids.

This story was originally published July 23, 2019 at 2:19 PM.