VANCOUVER — At about 3:07 p.m. Saturday (June 20), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a person floating in the Columbia River near the railroad bridge west of Interstate 5 and the Vancouver Waterfront.
Vancouver Fire Boat 1 was dispatched along with several land-based Vancouver Fire units. Rescue Boat 80 and Fire Boat 17 also responded to assist. During the incident, the United States Coast Guard was consulted to support response operations.
Fire crews positioned on shore were able to locate the individual in the river and provide real-time information to responding marine units. Vancouver Fire Boat 1 arrived first and located an adult female who was unresponsive and drifting in dangerous currents near docks and moored river barges.
Due to the challenging conditions, two Vancouver Fire rescue swimmers were deployed from Fire Boat 1. The rescue swimmers entered the water, reached the patient, and successfully brought her back to the vessel. Once aboard, firefighters and paramedics immediately initiated advanced life support care.
The patient was transported to the nearest available dock on the Oregon side of the river, where an ambulance was standing by to continue medical care and transport.
The Vancouver Fire Department is one of the few fire agencies in the region with trained rescue swimmers capable of being deployed from either land-based operations or marine response vessels. These specialized personnel provide a critical capability for water rescues in the Columbia River and surrounding waterways.
The Vancouver Fire Department reminds all residents and visitors to exercise caution when recreating on or near the river. Always wear appropriate personal flotation devices, be aware of changing water conditions and currents, and use proper safety equipment when boating, swimming, or participating in other water activities.
Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.
