CREWS PERFORM NIGHT TIME WATER RESCUE

Eugene Springfield Fire

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire crews were called to perform a night time water rescue in the Willamette River just north of Beltline in Eugene.  Lane County Sheriff‘s and Eugene Police located a male and female in distress on an island in the middle of the river.  Low water conditions and the dangers of operating a jet boat on the river at night prevent normal means of accessing the individuals.  A Eugene Springfield water rescue crew hiked in with the gear necessary to access the individuals via a specialized inflatable boat and ropes.  A Eugene Police drone operator provided a means to scout the area and communicate with the individuals while a plan was developed to safely remove them.  The individuals had been rafting earlier when they made it to the island.  They were wet and cold but otherwise un-injured.