A Umatilla County marine patrol sergeant rescued three people from the Columbia River last week after their inflatable raft began sinking.
The incident happened around 5 p.m. on June 27 when the Benton County Sheriff’s Office contacted UCSO for assistance in locating three people who were reportedly in a sinking raft on the river between the Sand Station Recreation Area and the Washington border. UCSO Deputies Al Plum and Lindsey Ballard spotted the raft, still afloat, with the three occupants.
According to the sheriff’s office, high winds caused five-foot swells on the river. Marine Patrol Sgt. Dave Johnson launched his boat into the river and rescued Roel Guzman, 20, Sara Rolon, 21, and Alexander Rolon, 16, all Washington residents. Johnson said the raft was small and didn’t have enough life jackets.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to be careful on the water. Use common sense and always pay close attention to the weather and the water and be aware that conditions on the river can change rapidly. And always have life jackets for every person in the boat and wear them.
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