DOZENS OF BOY SCOUTS RESCUED AFTER CANOE TIP-OVERS SCATTER TROOP ALONG WEST VIRGINIA RIVER. (PHOTO).

 Dozens of Boy Scouts rescued after canoe tip-overs scatter troop along West Virginia river  

  Dozens of Boy Scouts and several parents were rescued from the Cacapon River in West Virginia on Saturday after canoes tipped and separated the group during a Memorial Day weekend outing, officials said. Of the 31 scouts involved, 28 required rescue after the troop was scattered along the riverbank following the incident.

Firefighters said the group had managed to get out of the water safely, and everyone was accounted for, but they were spread across three separate locations along the riverbank. The situation prompted a coordinated response from multiple rescue crews after the canoe trip turned difficult due to fast-changing river conditions.

A member of Troop 1865 said the group, based in Northern Virginia, has made the same Memorial Day canoe trip for about a decade, traveling roughly 100 miles each year. He said some parents accompanying the scouts were also among those rescued. He added that rising water levels quickly made conditions unsafe, leading to several canoes overturning and forcing scouts to make their way to shore.

The scout described how the group relied on its training once they reached land, helping one another stay organized until help arrived. “This is what scouting is all about,” he said, crediting the preparation that helped them respond in the moment.

Rescue boats from nearby fire departments transported the group to a local cabin, where the owners allowed everyone to warm up. The property owner also assisted with coordinating the water rescue and helped bring people safely ashore, later providing hot drinks and food to help the group recover from the cold, rainy conditions.

All individuals were evaluated by emergency medical personnel, and no injuries were reported. Emergency crews cleared the scene later in the evening after confirming everyone was safely accounted for.