January 23, 2024 10:20 a.m.

Two men were rescued in the South Umpqua River in the area of Elk Island in Roseburg on Monday afternoon.

A release from Douglas County Fire District No. 2 said crews with the Roseburg Fire Department were dispatched just after 2:40 p.m. They requested a Technical Rescue Team from DCFD2. Shortly after the initial report, an update was given to responders that two subjects were seen holding on to brush next to Elk Island, and one continued downriver.

Roseburg Fire arrived at the scene, locating the two subjects holding onto the brush. Roseburg Fire established command, placed crews downriver for safety, and began coordinating with the DCFD2 technical rescue team.

That team launched with paddle boat under the Oak Avenue and Washington Street bridges to gain access to the two subjects near Elk Island. They also deployed their Power Boat at Templin Beach Park to assist with the rescue efforts of the third subject, who was reported floating down the river. The team successfully rescued the two subjects near Elk Island and they were evaluated by Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

Oregon State Police, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and DCFD2 continued rescue efforts with boats from Elk Island to the Old Melrose Road/West Godeck Avenue area for the third subject. The scene was turned over to DCSO.

A total of 26 personnel responded to the incident.

No further information has been released.