Early Sunday morning, members of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office Swiftwater Rescue Team responded to a call regarding a stranded vessel on the Cowlitz River, approximately 1 mile downriver from the Barrier Dam.
The boat had become high-centered on a submerged stump while in shallow water, leaving two individuals stranded, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
“Our team launched our Zodiac rescue boat and successfully reached the vessel,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Both boaters were safely transported back to shore without injury. The stranded boat was secured and tied off, to be removed later by its operator. This successful rescue operation was greatly aided by two generous property owners who allowed access through their land, providing our team with a quicker and safer route to the stranded individuals. We sincerely thank them for their cooperation and support. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office remains committed to public safety and rapid response in emergency situations. We encourage all boaters to remain cautious of changing river conditions and submerged hazards.”
