4 rescued after being stuck on island, tree in Kings River area

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Four people were rescued after three of them got stuck on an island, and one of them was holding onto a tree in the Kings River area, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies received an emergency call from the area of S. Riverbend and E. Annadale avenues in the Kings River area around 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, after a group of four young men found themselves in trouble while trying to float through some rapids.

During the incident, three of them found safety on an island, and the other one grabbed hold of a tree. Everyone in the group was wearing life jackets.

Around 3:30 p.m., Cal Fire responded with a boat to transfer the three men off the island and over to the shore. Meanwhile, deputies utilized their EAGLE One helicopter and a cinch collar to retrieve the remaining man, who was clinging to a tree.

The sheriff’s office shared video footage of the moment the fourth man was rescued. The footage reveals some struggle before the cinch collar was applied to his torso – after that, the sheriff’s office helicopter hoisted him up and safely set him down on the shoreline.

Watch the footage in the video player above.

Following the incident, the sheriff’s office wanted to remind everyone to pay close attention to river conditions, invest in good-quality rafts and/or tubes and always wear a life jacket.

Additionally, they said, “Also remember, if a helicopter ever has to hoist you up, LET GO of the tree you are holding onto. It will make for a much more comfortable ride.”