Stockbridge — A kayaker reported missing earlier today on Stockbridge Bowl was later found at the town beach dock off of Mahkeenac Road, according to the Stockbridge Fire Department.
Stockbridge Fire Chief Chuck Cardillo said that the 17-year-old kayaker was part of a group from a special needs school in Lee. “He said he fell asleep in the kayak and the wind blew him across the lake,” Cardillo explained.
Fire Department Captain Chris Marsden said that the winds and choppy conditions on the lake prevented the kayaker from catching up with his group once he realized what had happened. He then decided to stop at the dock and wait, Marsden added.
And that’s where he was found, at 4:42 p.m., Cardillo said.
It was all hands on deck when the teen went missing at around 2:30 p.m., the time of last contact with him, Cardillo added. The call for help was made at 4:15, galvanizing the Stockbridge Sheriff’s and Fire Department’s rescue boats and the Fire Department’s two divers who also work as part of the Berkshire County Dive team. The state police also responded, and an air wing was called before it was canceled when the teen was found.
“It was a quick response and all went well,” Cardillo said, appearing relieved. “Nice to find him safe and sound.”
The Stockbridge Police Department was unable to provide a report in time for this dispatch.
