Whitefish kayaker found OK after extensive search

There were boats, rescue personnel, a helicopter and even a train searching for a Whitefish man who missed his shore landing on the Kootenai River.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office learned on July 16 that 68-year-old Alan Lee Priebe of Whitefish floated by his campground and was en route to Idaho. Priebe was aboard a pontoon kayak.

The sheriff’s office and David Thompson Search and Rescue looked for Priebe with jet boats and personnel. Authorities from Boundary County, Idaho, moved toward the state border with boats. A U.S. Forest Service helicopter was brought in and BNSF Railway Co. was contacted to keep an eye on the river along the train tracks.

About two hours after the initial call, the helicopter spotted the kayak on shore near Leonia Bridge.

After another hour and a half, Priebe was reported to be hitching a ride back to the campground. He walked about 10 miles before finding a ride, according to the sheriff’s office.