GSP Aviation Rescues Stranded Kayaker Through Multi-Agency Coordination

(Fort Payne, AL) - A dangerous and extensive rescue mission resulted in a victim being safely recovered and provided medical care through a coordinated, multi-agency effortinvolving the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and Cobb County Fire/Rescue technicians.

On March 21, 2026, Sgt. Mack Ward, with the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division, was contacted by ALEA Trooper Micah Little on behalf of Fischer Rescue regarding a critical water-related incident at Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne. The call involved a kayaker who had nearly drowned and was stranded along a remote section of the preserve. Due to the extreme terrain, steep inclines, and limited access routes, ground-based emergency responders were unable to safely or efficiently reach and extract the patient.

Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the situation, GSP Aviation personnel rapidly mobilized and staged at the Kennesaw hangar. Two highly trained Cobb County Fire & Rescue technicians, along with crew chief TFC Nicholas Akerson, coordinated to execute a short-haul rescue operation. Sgt. Paul Wofford and TFC Akerson flew to a predetermined landing zone at a local fire station off Highway 78 in Adamsburg, Alabama, where the aircraft was configured specifically for short-haul rescue capabilities.

Once equipped properly, Sgt. Wofford, TFC Akerson, and Cobb Rescue Technician Mike Barnes departed for the incident site to conduct a precision short-haul basket extraction. The rescue zone was located deep within a narrow ravine, with towering terrain on both sides.

Despite these challenges, GSP Aviation executed the operation with a high degree of precision and professionalism. The rescue technician was carefully lowered to the victim's position along the riverbank, where immediate stabilization efforts were initiated. Both the victim and the rescue technician were simultaneously hoisted from the ravine in a controlled short-haul extraction.

The aircraft then transported both individuals to a nearby landing zone, where emergency medical personnel were staged and prepared to provide advanced care. The coordinated efforts of all responding agencies resulted in the safe and efficient recovery of the victim, highlighting the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration and the critical role of aviation resources in remote rescue operations.