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Five saved from sinking boat on CJ Strike Reservoir

Elmore County Sheriff
Posted at 2:35 PM, May 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-26 20:47:21-04

On Friday, May 25, 2018, at 8:10 p.m., Elmore County Dispatch received several emergency calls reporting a sinking boat on CJ Strike Reservoir. Several Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputies responded from Mountain Home area with a patrol boat. Initial reports indicated that there were several people that had been forced from the boat and were at an unknown location on the shore.

Elmore County Deputies were joined at North Park Boat Ramp by members of the Grand View Fire Department, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Deputies and a crew from Grand View Ambulance. Elmore County Deputies launched their patrol boat and located the three adults and two infants stranded on a remote and steep rocky section of the shoreline. Elmore County Deputies were able to successfully rescue the stranded individuals. The two infants, both under 18 months of age, were showing signs of hypothermia. Deputies and the adults provided aid to the infants until they could be seen by the Grand View Ambulance Crew, who were standing by at the North Park Boat Ramp.

According to the boat operator, the group was caught by surprise in a strong wind storm that created large waves that swamped the boat. Fortunately, the infants were wearing properly fitted life jackets when the storm arrived.

The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this opportunity to remind boaters that a properly fitted life jacket is often the difference between a successful rescue and total tragedy. Furthermore, weather and water conditions can change rapidly, especially during this time of year, have a plan and be aware of your limits and that of your equipment.