Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Reports of Submerged Vehicle in Columbia River

Posted: October 25th, 2010 12:46 AM

Crews from Portland Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a submerged vehicle in the Columbia River late Sunday evening. Upon arrival crews located a partially submerged SUV, approximately 20 feet from shore.

Limited road access and storm related flooding made access to the incident difficult for land based fire crews. Access to the vehicle was made by fire boats.

Visual inspection determined that no individuals were located inside of the vehicle. Further inspection discovered a car seat and a stroller inside of the vehicle. Portland firefighters cross trained as rescue divers responded to the location, one diver entered the vehicle to perform a thorough secondary search of the vehicle and confirmed the vehicle was empty. Crews searching the shoreline and water nearby also found no individuals to be present.

The Port of Portland Fire Department assisted Portland Fire and Rescue on this incident.

Quick Facts:

Units Dispatched: 11:04 PM (23:04)

Units Arrived: 11:13 PM (23:13)

Units Recalled: 12:04 AM (00:04)

Response Information:

2 Engines, 1 Truck, 2 Fire Boats, 1 Chief, 1 Dive Van, 1 Medic Unit

27 total personnel