Missing kayaker found in unlikely place has unlikely explanation

CLAYTON, N.C. -- A kayaker reported missing after an incident on a North Carolina river Saturday night was found safe when he showed up for work the next morning, reports CBS Raleigh, N.C. affiliate WNCN-TV.

Officials in Johnston County say their search for 26-year-old Isaac Evans ended when police found him at work two counties and 35 miles away. He told police he didn’t realize a large search for him was underway.

Town of Clayton spokeswoman Stacy Beard says alcohol was involved in Saturday’s Neuse River mishap.

Volunteer firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and a Highway Patrol helicopter searched the river until 2 a.m. Sunday and resumed the search seven hours later.

Evans was kayaking with friends when, it’s believed, the friends’ canoe hit a log. It overturned, Beard says. Everyone else was pulled ashore by rescuers. The kayak also overturned but there was no wod on why.

Evans says he made it to shore and slept at a friend’s house but never told family members.

“The kayak was recovered but there was no sign of (Evans),” Beard said.