Seven people were safely rescued Thursday afternoon after becoming stranded on an island when rising water cut off their access to shore.
Just before 4:00 p.m. Russell County Search and Rescue responded to a request near Rock House Bottom after reports that seven individuals were unable to get back to the riverbank.
Rescue crews quickly arrived on the scene and safely transported all seven people – three adults and four children — back to shore before the situation could become more serious. No injuries were reported.
Russell County Search and Rescue is reminding the public that water levels can rise rapidly, turning what begins as a routine day on the river into an emergency within minutes.
Officials encourage anyone spending time on the water to closely monitor conditions, always wear a life jacket, and let someone know where they will be and when they expect to return.
Search and Rescue officials also praised the teamwork between responding agencies, saying the successful rescue demonstrates the importance of strong mutual aid partnerships in keeping the public safe. PHOTO CREDIT: Russell County Search & Rescue 