WELLFLEET – Multiple agencies responded to a scene off Great Island in an area known as “The Gut” . According to reports, sometime after 6 PM Saturday a person in a kayak capsized plunging the victim into the 39 degree weather.
Marine and air units were requested.
About 8 PM it was reported the victim was on a boat being brought to shore and then was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital in unknown condition.
Statement from Wellfleet Police: At 6:14 PM, a call from a kayaker in distress was received by Barnstable County Dispatch. Numerous agencies responded, including the Coast Guard, Wellfleet Police Department, Wellfleet Fire Department, Wellfleet Harbormaster, Eastham Police Department, and Truro Police Department.
At approximately 8:00 PM, after an extensive search, the individual was located by the Wellfleet Harbormaster and members of the Wellfleet Fire Department. Life-saving measures were performed as the individual was transported to the Wellfleet Town Pier.
The victim was then transported to Cape Cod Hospital by the Eastham Fire Department.
Sunday morning update from Wellfleet Fire: On March 14, 2026, at 6:05 PM, Wellfleet emergency services were notified of a kayaker in distress after a blue kayak overturned, with the individual reported to be wearing a green life jacket and drifting in the current.
A coordinated search effort was immediately launched involving multiple agencies. The Wellfleet Harbormaster deployed two boats staffed with Harbormaster and Wellfleet Fire Department personnel, and the Eastham Harbormaster also responded with a boat to assist with the search on the water. Wellfleet Police officers conducted shoreline searches, assisted by the Wellfleet Shellfish Warden.
Additional aerial search resources were provided by Eastham Police and Truro Fire Department using drones. The United States Coast Guard also responded and deployed a helicopter to assist in searching the surrounding waters.
At 8:02 PM, the kayaker was located in the water by one of the Harbormaster’s boats and brought to shore. Eastham Fire Department provided ambulance transport to Cape Cod Hospital.
The 22-year-old male was transported in critical condition and was later pronounced deceased at Cape Cod Hospital. The individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.
The Wellfleet Fire Department would like to thank all assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts during this search and rescue operation.
David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN
CWN will bring you further details as we get them.
Photos and video (except as indicated) by AAP/CWN
