Corvallis Fire Makes Willamette River Rescue

On Monday, the Corvallis Fire Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office partnered on a water rescue on the Willamette River. The rescue took place near the Booneville Channel and Kiger Island Drive.

Here’s what happened: At approximately 7:30 am, a kayaker overturned in a slough just east of the Booneville Channel and became separated from his kayak. While attempting to reach shore, the kayaker was unable to exit the river due to high water from recent rainfall. He ultimately took refuge by clinging to a tree and was able to call 911 for assistance.

CFD responded with a Battalion Chief, a Medic Unit, and the CFD Special Rescue Team, or SRT.

SRT responded with both the CFD jet boat and an inflatable rescue craft. Upon arrival, crews established unified command with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, or BCSO. Sheriff’s deputies launched both a drone and a jet boat to assist with locating the kayaker.

The kayaker was located through the combined efforts of the BCSO drone and a CFD swimmer who was conducting a shoreline search. CFD’s rescue team launched the inflatable near the Kiger Island Bridge and navigated upriver toward the victim.

Due to limited access and river conditions, rescuers positioned the inflatable as close as possible and then swam and waded the final distance to reach the kayaker. Crews safely guided him back to the waiting Sheriff’s Office boat, which transported him to shore, where a CFD medic unit was staged.

The kayaker was uninjured but cold. He was evaluated and actively warmed by CFD medic crews and did not require transport to a hospital.

“CFD would like to thank the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for their response and teamwork. This incident highlights the continued dangers of high, fast-moving water and the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment and monitoring river conditions,” said a release from CFD.