If you are seeing this, then your internet browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer and you are running in Compatibility mode. You will not be able to view the application with this browser and these settings.

Please remove "SC.GOV" from your compatibility view listings using your settings in the Internet Explorer options.

SCDNR News

Two kayakers located after getting lost in Congaree National Park

March 9, 2019

Two kayakers have been found after they got lost Friday evening in the Congaree National Park.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officers were advised of the lost kayakers. The two male University of South Carolina students put in at South Cedar Creek around noon Friday for a six-hour kayak trip, however, due to flooding, they inadvertently got off the main path and were separated.

Officers were able to keep in contact with one kayaker through his cell phone. Around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers located that kayaker in the swamp. He was checked out by EMS and is okay.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. Saturday, the second kayaker walked himself out as SCDNR, the Richland County Sheriff's Office, the Richland County Game Wardens, and Sumter County Game Wardens were about to restart the search.

SCDNR is thankful for the assistance from county resources, and we're glad everyone is okay and this didn't turn into a tragedy. We want to thank those dedicated officers who worked through the night searching for these kayakers.