Injured Rafter/River Rescue (Photo)
- 07/21/26
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2026
INCIDENT: Injured Rafter
INCIDENT DATE / TIME: July 20, 2026 at 4:57PM
REPORTING DEPUTY: Corporal Hart
DETAILS: 9-1-1 Dispatch received a report of a rafter with a severe leg injury in the Wild and Scenic section on the Rogue River west of Galice.
This information was coming in via text using a Garmin GPS device since there is no cell coverage in the area. Due to the remoteness of the area, it was believed SAR personnel or other Rescuers would not have been able to make contact or float to the subject’s location for an extended period of time.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office was able to coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard in North Bend who was able to assist by launching a rescue helicopter.
The helicopter was able to land nearby, provide initial medical aid and fly the injured rafter to an area hospital for assessment and treatment.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for their partnership and assistance in helping in these types of emergencies.
This is a reminder that when rafting or enjoying the river, please make sure you are prepared for medical emergencies and have alternate forms of communication in rural areas. Additionally, share your routes and expected return time with someone before leaving.
Injured Rafter/River Rescue (Photo)
- 07/21/26
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2026
INCIDENT: Injured Rafter
INCIDENT DATE / TIME: July 20, 2026 at 4:57PM
REPORTING DEPUTY: Corporal Hart
DETAILS: 9-1-1 Dispatch received a report of a rafter with a severe leg injury in the Wild and Scenic section on the Rogue River west of Galice.
This information was coming in via text using a Garmin GPS device since there is no cell coverage in the area. Due to the remoteness of the area, it was believed SAR personnel or other Rescuers would not have been able to make contact or float to the subject’s location for an extended period of time.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office was able to coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard in North Bend who was able to assist by launching a rescue helicopter.
The helicopter was able to land nearby, provide initial medical aid and fly the injured rafter to an area hospital for assessment and treatment.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for their partnership and assistance in helping in these types of emergencies.
This is a reminder that when rafting or enjoying the river, please make sure you are prepared for medical emergencies and have alternate forms of communication in rural areas. Additionally, share your routes and expected return time with someone before leaving.
