Cell phone ping helps rescuers find stranded canoeists
BOLIVAR (WJER) (Sept. 15, 2026) – A river rescue near Bolivar ended safely Monday evening after a husband and wife became stranded in a canoe.
Bolivar Fire Lieutenant Kent Thompson says firefighters were dispatched around 5 p.m. for a report of a couple who had become disoriented on the river.
“There was two people in a canoe. They just got stuck. They just didn’t know where they were, and so they requested our boat,” said Thompson
The couple — a 67-year-old man and 61-year-old woman — had launched from a ramp between Bolivar and Beach City. They were located west of Interstate 77.
“They made a phone call, and they were able to ping their cell phone. So we knew where they were at in the river. Good thing with modern technology that we can do that now.”
Thompson says Bolivar, Erie Valley and Brewster fire departments responded, with Brewster firefighters reaching the couple first and getting them safely back to shore.
“Within an hour, between all three departments, we were able to get both of them out of the water and get them back to shore,” said Thompson.
Thompson says it’s a reminder for anyone else who ends up in a similar situation that cell phone technology can help rescuers quickly pinpoint their location.
“Just always be aware of your surroundings, and, you know, if you get lost or get turned around and you don’t know where you’re at, call 911.”
Thompson says neither person was injured.