Cape Fear River kayaker found safe after overturning in strong current: 'Some kind of thankful'

ERWIN, N.C. (WTVD) -- A kayaker is lucky to be alive Monday after his boat filled with water while out on the Cape Fear River in Harnett County

It was just supposed to be an ordinary kayaking trip with his church youth group Monday. Christopher Monroe admits he's not the strongest kayaker, but he was excited to get out on the water with 14 other kayakers.

They launched out of Wildlife Road in Lillington, headed toward the Erwin Cape Fear River Trail launch.

Just after 3 p.m., Monroe said he just sort of lost control of his kayak, which overturned. His group called 911, and units from Erwin Fire and Rescue, Dunn, Lillington, Summerville, Bunnlevel and Buies Creek all showed up to rescue him.

"I was some kind of thankful," Monroe said. "I even told one of them, I said I've never been more thankful to see a group of people in all my life. I was just sitting there between singing hymns and saying help every now and then, hoping somebody would hear me, and next thing I know there came a boat out the water."

His fellow kayakers could not stop and help because the current was moving too quickly. They kept on going to their meetup point farther down the river.

He said he felt as if he was in the water forever. His story could have had a much different ending, but he was wearing a life jacket - and that's a big part of the reason he's OK.

There was a fairly strong upstream current, which was challenging for rescue crews. With the water running so fast, it's difficult for even experienced boaters.

If you are planning to head out to the river any time soon, make sure you really understand conditions, and have the skills to handle it. And of course, make sure you're wearing that life jacket.

ABC11 was there when the rescue boat carried Monroe ashore.

"I just sort of lost control of the boat. I'm not the most skillful, not the most graceful kayaker. But, you know, God is good to look after me and protect me. So I'm grateful for that," Monroe said. "You know, I'm grateful for the huge response from Erwin Fire and Rescue and Wildlife and all that. So very thankful for that."