TIPP CITY — Authorities rescued three people who were left hanging onto a tree after their boat went underwater in the Great Miami River over the weekend.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00 & 11:00, Tipp City crews were called to the Great Miami River in the 2900 block of East SR-571 for reports of two adults and a 3-year-old stuck in the river Saturday evening.
Upon arrival, Tipp City police, a Miami County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and rescue crews found the three people in the river.
The 3-year-old was handed to an officer and taken to shore.
The adults waded to dry ground with the help of life jackets.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Common energy drink ingredient linked to leukemia cell growth, study says
- Coroner IDs human remains found in woods as Ohio missing man
- Mother, daughter killed, 5-year-old missing after being hit by train in Ohio
The three were checked out by medics on scene, but were not taken to the hospital.
Rescue crews couldn’t find the boat on Sunday.
“We suggest that all boaters, kayakers, and floaters utilize a flotation device. The water is moving and has the ability to cause serious injuries up to death. The moving water can also destroy a trapped boat with the current,” Tipp City Chief of Emergency Services Cameron Haller said.
Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins said he “couldn’t be more proud” of his officers.
No first responders were injured in this incident.
On Monday, Vandalia resident Nathan Webb said he saw a silver boat tangled in trees where the incident happened.
He immediately called the Miami County Sheriff’s Office to report it.
“Called the county, gave them the number on the boat and all that cause they were looking for it,” Webb said. “I was surprised it was as high up as it was... that far out of the water, I mean, I get that river is, can be pretty dangerous, especially with water moving through it right now, but I was surprised that it was that far up,” Webb said.
The Miami County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that their dispatch got a call about the boat being found, but they told the caller to reach out to the Tipp City Police Department.
Webb said he has a lot of experience kayaking in this section of the Great Miami River.
“There’s a part of the river you have to be careful on, you’re coming through like a strainer, there’s, it’s real, real rough,” Webb said. “And if you’re not careful, you’ll get knocked over. In a boat like that, you’d want to carry around it, but I guess they didn’t.”
Tipp City fire crews said the rushing river water can cause serious injuries or even death.
That’s why Webb said he always wears a life jacket and has a plan to stay safe.
“I’ve got a small knife, it’s got a serrated edge, if I do come out of the boat, I can cut myself free from nets or line,” Webb said.
Webb said it’s important for everyone on the water to stay calm if their boat tips over.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]