5 Rescued From Russian River By Sonoma Sheriff's Helicopter Crew

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Five people had to be rescued Tuesday from the rushing currents of the Russian River, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, which sent a helicopter crew to perform the rescue near Vacation Beach in the Guerneville area.

A family of four from Fremont were on their inner tubes when they became stranded on some bushes in the middle of the river for about two hours, the sheriff's office said.

A good Samaritan tried to help with a rope but he too became stuck in the rushing current.

The sheriff’s Henry-One helicopter crew was dispatched to the rescue at 5:40 p.m. and upon spotting the five people who needed assistance, a deputy descended a 100-foot rope which was fastened to the helicopter.

One by one, the sheriff's crew lifted each person out of the river using a horse collar device, then got them safely to shore.

"Nobody needed further medical attention but the helicopter crew advises that this time of year the water is moving very swiftly and is very cold," the sheriff's office said Wednesday. "Those people thinking about floating or boating in the river should use extra precaution."