The Maine Warden Service says a Millinocket man died over the weekend while whitewater kayaking.

25-year-old Joseph Giffune was on the Nesowadnehunk Stream in T2-R10 WELS Sunday with a friend when the accident happened. Wardens say it was just after 5:00 when his kayak became stuck in a 'hydraulic' at the bottom of the ledges and he was unable to free himself. A 'hole' or 'hydraulic' is formed when water pours over the top of a submerged object or underwater ledges, causing the surface water to flow back upstream. Wardens say they can be particularly dangerous because a person may become stuck under the surface, in the recirculating water.

Giffune's friend tried to rescue him from the hydraulic but was unsuccessful. He was eventually released and swept downstream and into the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Officials say he was unconscious when he was pulled from the river where life saving measures were performed, but to no avail.

The Maine Warden Service was assisted at the scene by Millinocket rescue personnel.

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