Deceased Kayakers Not Wearing Life Vests: Authorities

A mother and daughter who drowned in the Delaware River Friday night after their kayaks capsized north of Bull’s Island State Park were not wearing life vests, authorities say.

The victims have been identified as Doris Rake, 45, and Kathryn Haney, 19, of Raritan Township, N.J.

“Apparently the pair were experienced kayakers and were not wearing personal floatation devices. This is a terrible tragedy and our condolences go out to their friends and family,” Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III said.

Solebury Township Police say they were dispatched Friday around 8:25 p.m. for a marine rescue on the Delaware River near Hendricks Island.

Emergency Service units from Pennsylvania and New Jersey responded to the area. The two drowning victims were rescued from the river, police said. One victim was transported to Doylestown Hospital and the other was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center in New Jersey, where they were later pronounced dead.

Solebury Township Police were assisted by New Hope Eagle Fire Co., Point Pleasant Fire Co, Stockton, NJ Fire Co. Lambertville New Hope Ambulance, Central Bucks EMS, Delaware Twp. Police Dept., NJ. and New Jersey State Police.