Kayakers found safe after search on Vermilion River north of Streator; man cited after incident

A pair of kayakers were found OK following a late Saturday into early Sunday search on the Vermilion River between Streator and the area of the Sandy Ford bridge.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said Dominick Coss, 19, of Streator and a 15-year-old boy were on the Vermilion River when their kayak overturned. A 17-year-old boy of Streator who also was with them walked home and reported the incident. Dominick was located at home unharmed. After multiple agencies arrived to assist in an extensive search, the 15-year-old boy of Streator was located at home unharmed.

Dominick was cited on a complaint of obstructing justice and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire said his department assisted with the search – receiving a call at about 9:45 p.m. to help and hearing two individuals had been found at about 3:30 a.m. and the third at about 4 a.m. His team had come across an abandoned kayak during the search. IDNR Conservation Police were not in contact with the individuals who were found, hearing from other authorities, Wire said.

Wire said the IDNR Conservation Police used its airboat to navigate the Vermilion River, which is shallow in some spots and impassable with motorboats. The Illinois State Police also assisted the search with aircraft. The Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Reading Volunteer Fire Department and Streator Fire Department were among the agencies that helped in the search. Shaw Local News Network will seek a full list of assisting agencies and update the report.

Wire said conditions were fine Saturday for kayakers to be on the Vermilion River, but he reminded individuals the river temperature can get cold at this time of year, causing concern for anyone who had been in the river for a period of time. He also reminded anyone who is heading out to the river recreationally they must have a life jacket.