Man was not wearing flotation device
A Poughkeepsie man is missing after a kayaking accident that occurred on the Hudson River near Cornwall on Sunday evening, April 19.
Vincent Viafore was kayaking with his fiancé, Angelika Graswald, at about 7:30 p.m. when the two encountered choppy waters brought on by strong winds. Viafore’s kayak capsized. New York State Police, including their Newburgh-based aviation division, responded to Graswald’s 911 call. Police reported that Viafore had not been wearing a flotation device and was unable to get back into his kayak.
Vincent Viafore with his fiancé, Angelika Graswald
Graswald also fell into the river when her kayak capsized as she attempted to assist Viafore. She was rescued by a boater and taken to a hospital where she was treated for hypothermia and released.
State Police Aviation, marine patrols and local fire departments were unable to find Viafore on Sunday evening. The search resumed Monday morning but has been unsuccessful. Both kayaks were recovered.
Water temperatures remain cold in the Hudson River. According to the United States Geological Service (USGS), the water temperature below Poughkeepsie was approximately 47 degrees Fahrenheit on April 19.
Many Philipstown residents know Graswald, a Poughkeespie resident who had previously worked in a Cold Spring restaurant.
