A man and a woman ended up clinging to the roof of their Toyota Tacoma below Gunlock Falls after trying to push the truck through deep, swift-moving water that swamped the cab. Water poured in fast enough that the pair abandoned the vehicle for its roof and dialed 911, setting off a multi-agency swift-water rescue in Washington County.
Truck Swallowed by the Crossing
The man and woman were attempting to cross the deep, swift-moving water in their Toyota Tacoma when the river proved too much for the vehicle, according to KUTV. Water began entering the truck's cab, so they climbed to the roof and called 911, the station reported. From there, it became a race to get them off the vehicle before the current could do any more damage.
Washington County Search and Rescue, along with crews from Gunlock Fire, Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue, and Santa Clara - Ivins Fire and Rescue, responded to the scene, per the same account. Numerous agencies coordinated a swift-water rescue operation once they arrived, according to FOX 13.
A Rope Line Stretched Across the River
Getting to the stranded pair meant building a system strong enough to hold against the current. The Washington County Sheriff Search and Rescue team said the operation involved positioning two rescuers on the opposite side of the river and establishing a tensioned high-line system anchored to trees on both riverbanks, the article notes.
Once that line was secured, crews moved in. Both people were given helmets and personal flotation devices before being secured to the rescue system and transported to safety, per the same report.
A River Swollen by Overnight Storms
The rescue unfolded as Washington County dealt with flooding tied to heavy overnight rain, with the biggest impacts centered on Gunlock State Park, according to KUTV. Gunlock Falls was flowing at 110 percent water level on Sunday, with crossings in the area washed out, as reported by KMYU. Washington County Emergency Management Director Jason Bradley said Gunlock Road had reopened only shortly before his report, while the Motoqua crossing off Gunlock Road remained closed, telling the outlet, “It's washed out.”
Gunlock State Park had separately warned that the rocks are slick, water is swift, and covered hazards exist in the pools, as noted by ABC4. Washington County Search and Rescue has cautioned that even familiar crossings can quickly become dangerous due to strong currents, changing depths, and unstable riverbeds, according to FOX 13's report. ABC4 also noted a blunt warning from officials in a separate piece on this incident: never attempt to drive through swift-moving water.
