3 fishermen rescued from McKenzie River after current pulls boat on log jam
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) -- A water rescue on the McKenzie River Saturday after a group of fishermen got their boat got stuck on a log jam.
The incident happened around 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 near the Bellinger Boat Launch, east of Springfield.
Three fishermen were involved, floating in a large metal boat. The river’s fast moving current pulled the non-motorized boat on top of a log jam.
Another nearby fisherman saw it happen and called 911.
Within about 15 to 20 minutes, Springfield Fire & Life Safety and McKenzie Fire & Rescue crews were able to safely get the three men out of the stuck boat.
Springfield Fire officials say at some point, one of the victims got in the water. Rescuers say fortunately, he was wearing a life jacket.
“It's just a good reminder that its really dangerous out there, the water is high this time of year, and its very cold, so always wear your life jacket,” says Dana Burwell, a Battalion Chief with Springfield Fire & Life Safety.
The one fisherman who got in the water was treated for mild hypothermia but is expected to be O.K.
Rescue crews were also able to recover the stuck boat without any damage.
