River Rescue has Happy Ending
A happy ending was the result following three emergency responding agencies mobilized Tuesday afternoon at 3:27 to find a missing rafter on the Rogue River.
Rescue crews from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire and AMR-Josephine County were dispatched to the Winterbottom Riffle just above Chinook Park, to assist the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with locating a missing rafter.
Initial reports indicated a male and female had dumped out of their individual rafts at the riffle and only needed assistance from one bank to the other. However, upon the deputy's arrival they determined the male was still missing. It was also unclear if the missing male was wearing a life jacket.
Water rescue crews, including the rescue boat from GP Fire's Parkway Station, searched the water and banks from Baker Park to above Chinook Park. An authorized drone pilot from Josephine County Search & Rescue also assisted.
After the search was called off, deputies clearing the scene located the missing male on a nearby road and confirmed there were no injuries.
Even though this incident had a positive outcome, it provides another opportunity for First Responders to reiterate to river-users that properly worn life jackets are very valuable when rafts unexpectedly overturn.
