DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department rescued a total of 12 individuals who were trapped by quickly rising waters on the Potomac River on Saturday.
Multiple groups of people were fishing and picnicking when they became stuck due to raging waters and a current caused by recent heavy rains at the Chain Bridge near Georgetown. None of them were reportedly wearing life vests.
Three of the 12 people were rescued from the Virginia shoreline. There were also children among those retrieved and transferred to a vessel.
Potomac River water rescue update. Several additional victims, including children, are being retrieved by #DCsBravest and transferred to a nearby @DCPoliceDept Harbor Division vessel. pic.twitter.com/AF8EzN3ECe
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 20, 2020
The incident took place around 1 pm. DC Police Harbor Patrol worked together with DC Fire and EMS for the water rescue that lasted for over an hour.
There no were reportedly no injuries among those rescued.
Even though it’s not required to have a life jacket on land, it is highly recommended. Authorities also warn that it is illegal to swim in the Potomac River.
Some additional photos at ground level of Potomac River water rescue at Chain Bridge. pic.twitter.com/b7YJNV5lzZ
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 20, 2020
On June 11, first responders recovered a man’s body from the Potomac River near the Chain Bridge and Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse in Georgetown. DC Police later launched an investigation into the death of the man.
Two more drownings took place in the same area last month, while no recoveries happened until June 11.
Update Potomac River water rescue. A 2nd group trapped on rocks was reached by a #DCsBravest Rescue Sqiad inflatable. They have been retrieved and brought to safety aboard Fireboat 2. A third group still requires assistance. pic.twitter.com/ZQDLyTpZ0O
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 20, 2020