RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Riverside firefighters in boats rescued two men and two dogs who were trapped by fast-moving water on the Santa Ana River bottom, authorities said Friday.
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The dangerous incident was reported at about 9 p.m. Thursday at the Mission Inn Avenue bridge over the Santa Ana River, according to Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Richmond.
The men had a cell phone which enabled dispatchers to use GIS technology and What3Words to pinpoint their location, Richmond said.
"The first arriving engine crew made voice contact with the men, though they were not visible," he said. "The Riverside Fire Water Rescue team, along with a regional OES Water Rescue team, responded. A team member deployed a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or drone) with thermal imaging, which, despite the rain, successfully located the men. They were found clinging to trees with their feet dangling in the water."
Helicopters were grounded by the weather, so firefighters had to use chain saws to clear a path for a rescue boats, Richmond said.
The men and two dogs were rescued and evaluated at the scene, he said. They declined further assistance and the operation concluded at 1:35 a.m. Friday.
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