Silverton Medical Rescue on FB June 13, 2023 At approximately 1:00pm on Saturday, June 10th, Silverton Medical Rescue responded to a Satellite Emergency Notification Device alert on the Animas River near Tenmile Creek. The incident involved a group of boaters who were rafting the Upper Animas River reach from Silverton to Rockwood. Due to the remote location with limited access, two rescuers, a Paramedic and EMT, were inserted into the field via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad with additional rescuers staged in Silverton as back up. The team met the reporting party near where Tenmile Creek joins the Animas River at around 2:30pm. The team located the subject who had been involved in a drowning accident. Unfortunately, the victim was deceased prior to the arrival of the rescuer team. Resuscitation efforts had been initiated by the group prior to the arrival of the Silverton Medical Rescue team. The team and party involved with the incident moved the deceased subject onto the train and transported the body to Rockwood Train station. “The Animas River drowning victim from this last Saturday was a 24-year-old female from Durango, Colorado” stated San Juan County Colorado Coroner Keri Metzler. “While many incidents can be difficult emotionally, this one in particular was very tragic. The group of boaters were experienced and knew that section of river well. They were well prepared with the appropriate rescue equipment and knowledge of how to use it. Still, this accident led to an unfortunate outcome. The river is running at a high flow right now and this is a stark reminder of just how dangerous the river can be, regardless of training and preparedness. Our sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of the victim.” Cameron Crowell Silverton Medical Rescue, EMT. Silverton Medical Rescue, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, San Juan County Coroner and San Juan County Office of Emergency Management would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the accident victim. The team thanks the DSNGRR for providing transportation and logistical support for this recovery operation. The Upper Animas River reach is a very challenging section of whitewater and recreational groups should be prepared for difficult situations with the higher water flows this season.