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7 publications · water rescue

water rescue

Water Rescue Crews Save Dog Trapped Under Bridge in Albion Borough Park

Albion Borough, PA – This afternoon at around 4:40 PM, rescue personnel from Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched for a reported dog stuck under a bridge at the Albion Borough Park. This incident followed multiple rounds of heavy rainfall throughout the day creating swift water conditions and a very high creek. Chief 601 went enroute to the scene and was advised that a Rottweiler that fell into the creek and was stuck under the most western bridge in the park. Following, Chief 601 requested Lake City Fire Company to standby their station while crews arrived to get a better understanding of the scope of the situation. Ambulance 617 and Engine 604 joined Chief 601 at the scene.At 5 minutes after the initial dispatch, Chief 601 was on scene and reported the water moving swiftly, with a dog on the underside of the bridge with audible barks present and requested the Lake City Water Rescue Team to respond to the scene. Lake City was enroute to the scene within 10 minutes after being initially requested to standby by Chief 601. Lake City arrived on scene at 5:08 PM and crews immediately sprang into action. Crews deployed an RDC as a platform in case they needed a water-based platform during the operations. Additional personnel went right to the scene of the bridge and began surveying the situation. Crews could continue to hear the dog within the underside of the bridge within the compartment.Before crews could gain access to the dog, the bridge acted as a strainer and collected debris from the raging creek. Large logs and large piles of debris had to be removed from the underside of the bridge (which was hollow) to allow crews to gain access to openings under the bridge to gain access to the dog. During this operation, crews had to access the underneath of the bridge from both sides to assist with the removal of the debris.Once crews removed debris from underneath the bridge, crews reevaluated the ongoing situation and devised a plan to rescue the dog. While the dog was not in the best position, practically swimming at that point to stay above water, the crews quickly went underneath the bridge and attached a collar to the dog. A water rescue technician then rescued the dog, pulling the dog from underneath of the bridge. At the same time, the dog owners and bystanders pulled on the rope and brought the dog over to the edge of the creek where the dog was placed onto dry ground. It was at that point that Chief 601 announced that it was a successful recovery as the dog shook off excess water.At that point, one person carried the dog to the back of a truck and wrapped the dog in blankets. The dog was then taken to a veterinary to be evaluated. No injuries were reported on scene and crews about an hour and ten minutes after the initial dispatch.

Published a day ago
water rescue

Swift Water Rescue Near Dutch Road Highlights Quick Action by First Responders

Fairview Township, PA – This morning at just after 8:30 AM, Fairview Fire and Rescue and Lake Shore were dispatched for a reported swift water rescue in the vicinity of Dutch Road. In addition, Lake City Fire Company and Engine 925 from Millcreek were also dispatched and supported operations on scene. Initial reports advised of a fisherman trapped in a log jam along the south side of the north set of railroad tracks. The individual was reportedly not wearing a personal flotation device.Upon arrival, Fairview crews accessed the area by traveling approximately a quarter mile east along the tracks before reaching the creek, where one victim was confirmed in the water. For responder safety and due to the proximity of apparatus to the tracks, command requested that railroad traffic be halted. As crews worked their way in, they reported hearing screams, which helped them locate and make contact with the victim. It was later discovered that the 911 caller remained on the phone with Erie County Public Safety during the duration of the initial response. This helped first responders quickly located the individual which was found to be trapped by a large strainer (a buildup of logs, branches, and debris).Rescue personnel quickly deployed a flotation device and rope to the victim while additional crews prepared technical rescue equipment. Mule-56 assisted by transporting equipment and personnel down the tracks. Lake City Fire’s inflatable boat was brought to the scene, inflated, and launched with two rescue technicians on board. The technicians reached the victim, extricated him from the strainer, and brought him safely to shore. Downstream safety teams were also deployed during the operation.The victim was transferred to medical personnel and was then transported via Mule-56 to nearby ambulance for continued care and eventual transfer to nearby hospital.Railroad traffic was suspended during the rescue and resumed once all emergency vehicles cleared the right-of-way. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is investigating the incident. The 911 caller, a companion of the victim, provided real-time updates that proved invaluable to the operation. No injuries were reported among responding personnel.Special thanks to West County On Scene Correspondent Warren Anderson, whose support allows me to keep highlighting the great work of our local first responders while I’m at work or out of town.

Published 5 months ago
water rescue

Sailboat in Distress Off Beach 10 Prompts Overnight Multi-Agency Response

Millcreek Township, PA – Overnight, shortly after 11:00 PM, first responders from West Lake, Fuller Hose, and Lake Shore were dispatched to assist the United States Coast Guard (USCG) with a report of a sailboat in distress off Beach 10. At the time of the incident, a frontal passage near Cleveland was tracking eastward across Lake Erie, intensifying wind and wave activity in the region. Crews faced challenging lake conditions, with wave heights reaching 4 to 6 feet during the peak of operations.Millcreek’s 487 and 497 responded to Baer Beach for a location to launch 497. Engine 924 diverted to beach 10 to establish shore command. Erie County Public Safety advised responders that a park ranger reported having a visual of the sailboat and marked it’s location approximately one-half to three-quarter miles offshore to the east of Beach 10. Engine 924 subsequently made contact with the park ranger and stood by on Beach 10.Shortly after, Boat 497 launched with three souls on board with initially choppy conditions on the lake. Boat 497 advised that they were experiencing rapidly deteriorating lake conditions and was going to have a delayed response time. Lake Shore attempted to launch from Lampe Marina but returned due to deteriorating conditions and relocated to Beach 10. Soon after, the USCG’s 45-foot vessel made contact with the vessel in distress. With the USCG out with the boat, Fuller’s 219 stood by at the East Avenue boat launch due to lake conditions approaching operational limits and relocated to Beach 10.Boat 497 requested county to reach out to the USCG to request if they still needed help as conditions were continuing to decline and they were approaching operational limits of their vessel. At around this time, an updated was provided that the USCG was in the vicinity of the vessel but unable to reach the sailboat due to shallow waters. West Lake’s L5 requested for dispatch to start Lake City to Beach 10 to have an additional boat on standby. Shortly after, it was advised the USCG was able to get the vessel under tow and make their way into the bay.Boat 497 was able to clear the incident and returned to Beach 10. Lake City was able to help West Lake move 487 to Beach 10 to assist with loading of Boat 497.The USCG utilized the Courtesy Dock at the Wolverine Park Marina while they conducted their investigation.

Published 7 months ago
water rescue

Multi-Agency Rescue Launched After Vessel Distress Call Off Walnut Creek

Fairview Township, PA – A significant multi-agency water rescue operation unfolded this afternoon following a distress report involving two individuals in the water approximately 4 to 4.5 miles offshore from the Walnut Creek Access area along the Lake Erie shoreline. The multi-agency operation required a combination of air, marine, and land-based assets.Around 4:00 PM, Fairview Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the area after Erie County dispatchers received a report from the United States Coast Guard. Given the severity and offshore nature of the incident, additional units from Lake City Fire Company and Lake Shore Fire Department were immediately requested. Chief 500 also requested water assets from West Lake Fire Department’s water rescue team.As crews mobilized, dispatch confirmed that the original report came directly from the Coast Guard and that the incident was estimated to be over four miles offshore. Multiple agencies quickly coordinated to deploy both land-based and marine resources.Lake Shore units 508, 504, and 518 responded directly to Walnut Creek Marina to prepare watercraft for launch. Lake City’s Rescue Boat 578 was deployed from Avonia Beach using the department’s Sea Legs amphibious vessel, with three personnel on board. Meanwhile, Lake City’s 579, 566, and 568 responded to Walnut Creek Access to support the land-based command structure. Boat 519, also carrying three crew members, launched from Walnut Creek Marina and headed toward the last known coordinates of the distressed vessel. Boat 518, with two crew members on board, followed shortly thereafter. An additional Sea Legs unit from West Lake launched from Bear Beach to assist with search efforts. The coordinated response highlighted the versatility of the fleet and its ability to launch from multiple locations to arrive on scene quickly.Once on scene, Coast Guard crews reported visual confirmation of a vessel and advised that two individuals were aboard. However, the situation remained fluid. Boat 519 was instructed to hold in a staging area as the Coast Guard led a grid-based search pattern. Shortly afterward, the Coast Guard reported discovering two life preservers floating in the search area, prompting additional grid searches from all vessels. Lake City Boat 568 joined the operation from Walnut Creek Marina to expand the search zone.A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Detroit was deployed to provide aerial reconnaissance and assist with visual tracking. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officers also arrived at the scene to support both the rescue operation and the ongoing investigation.A few hours into the search, fire department-based assets reconvened at Walnut Creek Access to regroup and develop a revised game plan. Sonar capabilities were brought online to begin underwater sweeps, with Boat 578 taking the lead on sonar operations.As the search continued, a unified command post was established, operated jointly by representatives from Coast Guard Station Erie, Fish and Boat Commission officers, Pennsylvania State Police troopers, and land-based command at Walnut Creek Access. Together, they assessed findings and determined next steps. The vessel involved in the incident was ultimately towed back to Walnut Creek Marina by Lake Shore Towing.No further information is currently available. Crews have continued their search efforts into the evening, and authorities remain on scene investigating.

Published 8 months ago
water rescue

Local First Responders and Coast Guard Assist Boater in Distress Near Walnut Creek

Fairview Township, PA – At 9:45 AM today, the Lake Shore Fire Department was dispatched for a boater in distress approximately 4-5 miles off Walnut Creek Access. In response, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake City Fire Company, West County Paramedics, and the United States Coast Guard were also notified and mobilized. The Coast Guard, en route with an estimated arrival time of 25 minutes, coordinated with local first responders as the situation developed.As crews made their way to Walnut Creek Marina, dispatch relayed that the 16-foot black-and-white vessel was taking on water with a single occupant aboard. Lake Shore’s Utility 504 and Ambulance 507 were first to arrive, establishing shore command. Lake City’s Boat 578 and Rescue 579 arrived shortly after, launching Boat 578, an amphibious SeaLegs craft, with three souls on board: two water rescue technicians from Lake City and one from Lake Shore.Using GPS coordinates provided by the Erie County Department of Public Safety, Boat 578 searched the area but did not find the distressed vessel immediately. Coordinating with the US Coast Guard, the crew began searching back toward Presque Isle. Around this time, the Coast Guard made contact with the vessel.Fortunately, the vessel was able to return to Walnut Creek Marina under its own power, escorted by the Coast Guard and Boat 578 as a precaution. Once docked at the courtesy dock, the Coast Guard conducted a routine Vessel Safety Check. All involved crews were then cleared and returned to service. No injuries were reported.

Published 2 years ago
water rescue

Lake Shore and Lake City Units Lead Successful Rescue of Sailboat Crew Near Louisa Drive

Fairview Township, PA – Early this morning, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake Shore Fire Department, and the Lake City Fire Company were dispatched for a watercraft in distress near 8200 Louisa Drive. En route, crews were informed that a 30-foot sailboat, carrying four people, was taking on water about 50 feet offshore. Lake Shore’s 508 responded to Walnut Creek Access to rendezvous with their Rescue Boat 519, while Fairview’s ambulance 527 responded to Avonia Beach. Within approximately 10 minutes of the initial dispatch, Lake City units 578 and 579 responded to Avonia Beach for a shoreline launch with their amphibious boat. Rescue 539 (Fairview) and Lake City’s drone also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, 531 confirmed that all individuals were confirmed to be wearing life jackets.Lake Shore’s Rescue Boat 519, stationed at Walnut Creek, responded to the sailboat. Lake Shore’s 519 and Lake City’s 578 arrived at the vessel, which was in shallow water about 4 feet deep. Lake City’s drone provided aerial overwatch during the rescue operations. Lake City’s 578 was able to navigate close enough to transfer all four individuals safely onto their boat. The individuals were then transferred to 519, which transported them to the Walnut Creek Access. A small boat from the Coast Guard Station Erie also arrived on scene shortly after all souls were transferred onto 519. The XPO from Coast Guard Erie was on the shore side communicating with county-based assets.Lake City’s 578 remained on the scene for a short time to ensure the sailboat was secured until a towing company could arrive. All units returned to the Walnut Creek Access without incident, and no injuries were reported.This response highlights effective communication, strategic use of assets, and the seamless coordination between multiple agencies to ensure a successful rescue operation.

Published 2 years ago
water rescue

Three Rescued from Sinking Boat Near Walnut Creek After Coordinated Emergency Response

Fairview Township, PA – Today at approximately 12:15 PM, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake Shore Fire Department, and Lake City Fire Company were dispatched for a reported vessel in distress. First responders were looking for a 16-foot boat, black and gray, with three souls on board. Additionally, units were advised that all individuals were wearing life vests. PA Fish Commission made initial contact with the vessel in distress and advised that they were under power. However, moments later, the vessel engine reported cut out and the boat was still taking on water. PA Fish and Boat made the decision to have the three souls evacuate their boat on to the PA Fish and Boat Commission vessel where they were then transferred to Walnut Creek Access. Before Fish and Boat departed, Lake Shore and Lake City personnel remained with the boat.Soon after, U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie along with a vessel from the US Border Patrol arrived on scene. Due to the emergency of a vessel actively taking on water, crews worked collectively to come up with a plan to bring the vessel back to shore. The Coast Guard and Lake City personnel utilized mobile water pumps to pump water out of the boat to keep it afloat. Soon after, the US Coast Guard towed the vessel back to Walnut Creek Access. Both Lake City and Lake Shore Fire Department personnel assisted Coast Guard with rigging and transporting the boat back to the access. Once at the visitors dock, Coast Guard and fire personnel assisted in securing the boat and then helping the individuals get it onto a trailer.This successful operation showcased the excellent collaboration and effort by all entities involved.

Published 2 years ago