High Water Rescue on the Middle Yough

Report ID#86941

2026-05-24
accident date
Unidentified Child
victim
5
victim age
Youghioghenny
river
Middle Yough
section
Ramcat Rapids
location
5,8' at Ohiopyle
gage
High
water level
II+
river difficulty
Flush Drowning
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Cold Water, High Water, Inexperience One Boat Trip
factors
Commercial
trip type
Raft
boat type
status?
status

Description

A rented raft flipped in Class II Ramcat Rapids on the Youghiogheny River (Middle Yough) below Confluence, PA yesterday, putting 6–7 people in the water. Some of the people washed downstream for miles!! The Yough was running high, at 5.8 feet. First responders were called to assist the group, which was spread out over several miles of river, A 5 year-old was life flighted out.

Dana Larcenaire on FB The unguided raft flipped further down the river, past Ramcat. The family was in the cold water about 40 minutes. The little girl was given cpr once she got out of the water and then she fully woke up during the helicopter ride. There were rumors flying around that she died but those were untrue. Very scary day for all involved.