Corbett Fire Responds to Overdue Rafters on Sandy River Sunday, August 24, 2025 – 11:45 p.m.

Late Sunday night, Corbett Fire was dispatched to the Sandy River near Camp Angelos for two overdue rafters. A mother and daughter had not returned from their float trip, and the husband, using a phone-tracking app, last saw their location in the Camp Angelos area.

Corbett Fire deployed its drone, equipped with thermal imaging, spotlight, and loudspeaker, to search the river. After flying up and down the area, the rafters were located approximately three-quarters of a mile upstream in a remote section of the river.A Corbett Fire water rescue team launched a raft and paddled upriver to reach them. Using the drone, crews were able to communicate directly with the rafters to determine whether they were injured or simply stranded.

Fortunately, no medical care was needed—the rafters just required assistance getting downriver.The drone then provided lighting to guide the rescue crew as they safely floated the rafters back to Camp Angelos, where their family was waiting.

This incident serves as a reminder that local rivers are running low and slow this time of year. Trips that may normally take only a few hours can now take twice as long—or more. The Sandy River, while appearing calm and shallow in places, still contains strong undercurrents and sudden drop-offs. Corbett Fire urges everyone recreating on the water to wear a life jacket.

Corbett Fire also provides a Life Jacket Loaner Program, with kiosks available at Dabney State Park and Lewis and Clark State Park along the Sandy River.