Rescuers search the Neversink River for the missing father and son
CUDDEBACKVILLE – Emergency services personnel are scouring the
Neversink River from Cuddebackville downstream as a father and his eight-year-old
son have been reported washed away in raging waters.
A man at the scene said he was visiting with family and friends from Queens
on Saturday, spending the weekend at the Oakland Valley Campground in
Cuddebackville. He was fishing on the shore of the Neversink River around
10 in the morning.
His friend and he noticed two boys from their group racing by on a raft
in the raging waters. The boys, ages 16 and eight, were yelling for help.
The man, who did not give his name, both he and his friend dove into the
river to try to rescue the boys. His friend is the father of the eight-year-old.
He saved the 16-year-old, but the father and his eight-year-old son were
swept away by raging currents from the recent rains.
Water rescue teams from Orange, Sullivan and Pike counties were out with
boats and with divers. A State Police helicopter flew overhead and a drone
was deployed.
So far, there has been no sign of the missing father and son as of late
Saturday afternoon.
