 Rescue and Dive Teams Recover Vehicle from River(Pierre, SD) – May 30, 2002 – The Pierre Fire
Department Rescue Squad was called to an accident scene on the Missouri River
when a pickup entered the water. When reports indicated that the pickup was
totally submerged, the Dive Team was also called to the scene. A pickup driver was reported backing toward the water to
provide a place to sit on the tailgate near the water. When he approached too
closely the pickup began to float so he was unable to drive out of the water.
The occupants then left the pickup and waded or swam to shore. The pickup sank in about eight to ten feet of water. Divers
called to the scene began to search for the pickup. Visibility in the water was
only about 12 to 18 inches. Rescue Squad members tended the lines to the divers. These lines (ropes) give the diver an indication of where to swim since they are unable to visually determine their pattern. They find the target object by touch. After the pickup was located, the divers attached cables
from a wrecker that had also been called to the scene. The wrecker then pulled
the vehicle from the clutches of the Missouri River. No one was injured in the accident or vehicle recovery. People are reminded to be very careful when using the river
as accidents can quickly overtake them. In addition, because of the low
visibility, recovery operations are often slowed. If you witness an accident on
the water, take careful note of where the victims or vehicle disappeared from
view as this will assist Those people who have no information for the rescuers and are simply watching the activity are asked to stay well clear of the operations. Moving boats in the area are a hazard to underwater personnel and could cause injury or death to someone struck by a boat or propeller. Wakes from moving boats or watercraft make recovery difficult. The Pierre Fire Department is a volunteer organization serving the capitol city of South Dakota. The Rescue Squad and Dive Squad are attached to the Department as sub-unit organizations. |
rescuers
in finding the subject. Use non-moving objects as reference points and report
this information to the arriving personnel.
