Young men rescued after canoe overturns in Minnesota River

MONTEVIDEO -- Two young men from Montevideo were rescued Monday evening after their canoe overturned on the Minnesota River.

According to a news release from Chippewa County Sheriff's Deputy Kelly Aalfs, Daniel Jones, 18, and Cody Frey, 20, had launched their canoe at Waterman's bridge on Chippewa County Road 15 and headed down river. About 30 minutes later the canoe overturned. Both men swam to a tree and hung on while dialing 911.

After the 911 call was received around 8:10 p.m., DNR officer Ed Picht and Montevideo fireman Lonny Tostenson launched a rescue boat and drove the river until they found the men. They were returned to shore and then taken by ambulance to Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital. They were checked over and released.

Also assisting in the rescue were the State Patrol, Montevideo police and fire and the CCMH Ambulance.