After being trapped in a strainer on Saturday, a young woman who attempted to assist flooded boaters on the McKenzie River in Springfield almost lost her life.
The woman, who looked to be in her late teens or early 20s, attempted to assist passengers on a drift boat that capsized and became inundated at approximately 6 p.m., according to Riley Martinka, battalion chief with Eugene Springfield Fire. Her face was pushed underwater as a result of her arm being sucked under a log.
A fire department rescuer pulled her beneath the log and then caught her on the other side to liberate her.
According to Martinka, she was unharmed, as were the other passengers on the drift boat, including a 13-year-old, and a second spectator who attempted to assist.
However, he advised people to use cautious around natural waterways, such as the McKenzie.
“People don’t realize how powerful it is,” he remarked.
Editor Beth Slovic works on the breaking news and public safety team. You can contact her at orbslovic@oregonian.com or 503-221-8551.
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Bystander on the McKenzie River tries to helped swamped boaters. Then she needed rescuing
Bystander on the McKenzie River tries to helped swamped boaters. Then she needed rescuing
Bystander on the McKenzie River tries to helped swamped boaters. Then she needed rescuing