EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — A dozen people were rescued after being stranded on a Willamette River island or falling into the river when their rafts punctured.
The rafters were rescued southeast of Junction City late Friday night.
John Miller, search and rescue coordinator for Lane County, says the search was impeded when rescuers had no key to open the gate at the Hayes Landing boat ramp and had to find another route to the river.
Four people went into the Willamette’s cold water about two miles south of Hayes Landing. One man clung to branches with one hand and used his cell phone to call for help with the other.
Miller says eight people in the two inflatable rafts piloted by adults included young children. After missing the boat ramp at Hayes Landing, they ended up stranded on an island.
