Search teams locate missing kayaker on Kootenai River

July 21, 2015

KLCB Radio in Libby, Montana is reporting an incident on the Kootenai River that turned out OK, but which could potentially have had a bad outcome. According to hte KLCB report, last Thursday evening (July 16), the campground hosts at the Yaak River Campground notified the Lincoln County, Montana Sheriff’s Dispatch that an adult male, identified as Alan Lee Priebe of Whitefish, Montana, age 68, was floating the Kootenai River and had not gotten out at the Yaak River Campground take-out point with his companions. Instead, he had floated on by, heading down the river toward Idaho. He is hard of hearing and was by himself in his own single grey pontoon kayak. Lincoln County Deputy Boyd White responded to the campground and met with family members. Montana's David Thompson Search and Rescue was paged to respond and begin rescue efforts. DTSAR responded with two jet boats and six members. Boundary County, Idaho authorities responded up the river with boats and a U.S. Forest Service fire helicopter also responded to assist. Burlington Northern was contacted to watch for Mr. Priebe along the tracks. About 9:35 p.m. that evening, the helicopter located the kayak, which appeared to have been intentionally beached near the Leonia Bridge on the Idaho / Montana border. The search then shifted to the shore along the South Side Road area and in Idaho. At about 11:07 p.m. that night, Boundary County advised that Mr. Priebe had been located and was hitching a ride back to the campground. Mr. Priebe had gone past the takeout point at the Yaak River Campground, had beached his kayak, and walked up to the South Side Road. He walked approximately 10 miles before finding campers who gave him a ride to Bonners Ferry.