Rescue teams in northern Minnesota are currently conducting a search for two individuals who went missing over the weekend after their canoes capsized at Curtain Falls.
Two canoes went over Curtain Falls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at 7:21 p.m. local time on Saturday near the Canadian border, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
The events at Curtain Falls have left two families and a wide circle of friends devastated. This heartbreaking news was shared by the St. Louis County Rescue Squad in a Facebook post on Sunday.
“Four individuals were aboard two canoes that went over the falls. Overcoming numerous obstacles and setbacks, the rescuers managed to safely evacuate two injured patients late last night. Additionally, they successfully rescued a third person from the party who was uninjured, from a campsite early this morning,” shared the rescuers.
Please keep the two missing paddlers and their families in your thoughts.
The search for the two missing individuals, identified as Jesse Melvin Haugen, aged 41, and Reis Melvin Grams, aged 40, resumed on Sunday, but unfortunately, no progress was made.
The sheriff’s office reported that searchers are employing remote-controlled vehicles and drones in their efforts. They also mentioned that rescuers are currently operating around the clock.
Accessing Curtain Falls is a major challenge due to its remote location. We heavily rely on our aviation partners to transport equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from this inaccessible area in the backcountry.
In a press briefing, Division Commander Nate Skelton from the Sheriff’s office informed reporters that the search and rescue team was confronted with challenging conditions of high water and rapid currents.
The waterfalls cascade down a distance of approximately 30 feet, creating a mesmerizing sight. Rather than a straight drop, the water gracefully flows between Crooked Lake and Iron Lake, forming a gentle and picturesque descent. The falls are characterized by fast-moving water, which adds to their dynamic and energetic nature.
According to Skelton, the canoeists engaged in fishing at the top of the falls on Saturday night.
According to reports, four individuals were positioned near the top of the falls, engaging in their usual fishing activities. Unfortunately, it seems that one of them encountered a problem, prompting another person to offer their assistance. Tragically, both canoes and all four individuals ended up going over the falls.
