Two stranded rafters rescued from Owyhee River after raft capsizes
Crews rescued two people after their raft capsized and became pinned on rocks in the
Author: Richard Rodriguez KTBC7 Boise, ID
Published: May 15, 2025
BOISE, Idaho — Crews rescued two rafters Thursday on the Owyhee River who were trapped after their raft capsized and became pinned. The Idaho National Guard said one person became trapped Wednesday, May 14 and was stranded overnight on a boulder surrounded by rapids after their raft was pinned on rocks. The other managed to reach land safely.
Officials said due to challenging water conditions, the Idaho Army National Guard's State Aviation Group called in the Boise Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team to assist in the rescue. During the rescue, crew members lowered two Swift Water Rescue Team firefighters into the water near the boulder using an Idaho Army National Guard helicopter. The firefighters secured the stranded rafter with a rope and everyone was hoisted safely.
"We are grateful to be able to support our community and build relationships with other agencies," said Officer Candidate Jessica Adamson, a crew chief involved in the rescue. "We wouldn't be able to accomplish such complex and technical missions without cooperation and collaboration with outside organizations."
The helicopter later landed to pick up the second rafter before heading to Gowen Field, officials said.
"The Idaho Army National Guard trains routinely with our community partners to be ready when our fellow citizens need us no matter the location or conditions," said Brig. Gen. Cole Packwood, commander of the Idaho Army National Guard.
The Idaho National Guard flight crew included Chief Warrant Officer 3 Theron Cameron, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Weston Kania, Staff Sgt. Adam Brundy and Adamson, alongside Boise Fire Department members Chris Hendershot and Peter Hammit.
