Crews in St. Charles search for missing kayaker on Fox River

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Crews in St. Charles are conducting a recovery operation on Wednesday morning after a kayaker went missing while on the Fox River Tuesday night.

According to officials, just after 9:30 p.m., emergency crews were called to an area near Ferson Creek, located along Route 31, near Wildrose Springs Drive, in St Charles, following a report of a person in the water.

Officials later confirmed that the victim had fallen into the water while fishing on the river.

Authorities said the victim was one of two people who were fishing in kayaks on the river. But while on the water, one of them disappeared after a boat passed by.

Police said they believe it may have been the wake from the passing boat that pushed the boater into the water.

Authorities added that the kayaker was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

Following the incident, crews quickly responded to the scene and began a water rescue operation, eventually calling in help from 29 area fire departments.

Crews searched the water through the night but were unsuccessful by 5 a.m., when they took a brief break.

The search resumed at 8:30 a.m., though crews were still not able to locate the missing individual and the operation was eventually transitioned from a rescue to a recovery.

It is unclear if the individual was a swimmer or a boater, or what may have caused the incident.

Authorities in St. Charles offered the latest updates during a press conference on Wednesday morning.

The full press conference can be viewed in the video player below.