SANDY RIVER, Ore. – Clackamas County water rescue teams stayed overnight to help stranded rafters on the Sandy River.
Crews were first received reports of a family on a raft stuck in rocks along the river at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. Crews arrived and realized the only access to the family was to hike down a long trail.
A Life Flight helicopter was activated because of the remote area where the family was stuck. Also, it was reported that a family member may be having a diabetic issue, according to Steve Hoffeditz of Clackamas Fire. Life Flight was able to land on a sandbar near the family and give them blankets.
Firefighters were able to free the raft from the rocks. The six family members and two firefighters floated down to the next trailhead, where four family members were able to hike out.
An older couple was not able to make the hike, Hoffeditz said, and since it was dark and late, rescuers stayed with them on the river overnight. They made it to Oxbow Park Saturday morning at about 9:15 a.m.
Everyone was fine, just a little cold and tired, Hoffeditz said.
Clackamas Fire wants to remind rafters to always wear a life jacket and allow plenty of time to get back safely in case of an emergency.
