PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Authorities say a van launching a small boat at Willamette Park’s boat launch sank into the river on Wednesday — trapping a woman in the vehicle.
Deputies arrived at the boat launch in South Portland around 11:15 a.m., where they say a man was in the water trying to help the woman inside the van, which was already fully submerged.
A Portland Fire & Rescue helped the man get back to shore and entered the water to attempt to break through the windows with a NY hook. The crew was able to see the woman, but could not get her out without entering the van themselves.
Firefighters eventually had to pull the van out of the water using tow straps. At that point, the woman had been in the water for over 15 minutes, according to the sheriff’s office.
PF&R says the man and woman were brought to OHSU. The woman was in critical condition and the man had minor injuries.
“This was an extraordinary rescue effort that speaks to the power of the 911 system we all depend on when we only have moments to live,” Fire Chief Sara Boone said. “The heroism, creative problem solving and decisive action displayed by Portland Firefighters gave this woman the best chance of survival. We risk a lot to save a lot, and today these firefighters risked their own lives to perform in an exceptional rescue effort under incredibly difficult circumstances. Our connection to a victim continues after the call ends, and our fire family extends our hearts to both folks that needed help today.”