Late Friday afternoon, a rafting trip got in trouble in Grand Teton National Park when a commercially guided raft struck a log jam and overturned in the river’s “Black Hole” area, near Bar BC Ranch north of Moose. The incident resulted in eight people, including the guide, being thrown into the river.
Quick action by another guide from the same company, Barker-Ewing, led to the rescue of three passengers who had managed to reach a nearby island. These individuals were safely transported back to Moose. However, two passengers were stranded in the river for several hours, partially submerged and clinging to a log. They were eventually rescued by park rangers and taken to St. John’s Hospital in Jackson for treatment of hypothermia and a head injury.
Three others remained trapped on the overturned raft overnight. Rescue efforts continued the following morning with the aid of Teton County Search and Rescue and a rescue helicopter, which successfully retrieved the individuals. They suffered moderate hypothermia but did not require further medical treatment.
This incident highlights the dangers of rafting on the Snake River, particularly during periods of high water flow due to snowmelt. The river is fraught with hazards like log jams, fast currents, and unpredictable channels, making navigation challenging. The section of the river where the accident occurred is rated “advanced” due to these conditions.
Officials urge boaters to check river conditions frequently and always wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while on the water, as conditions can change rapidly.
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