INDEX, Wash. — A group of rafters is safe after two rafts overturned on the Skykomish River between Gold Bar and Index, causing a response from rescuers.
Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office responded to a call that two rafts had capsized on the river east of Gold Bar over the Boulder Drop.
All ten rafters were dumped into the river, the caller said.
Initial reports indicated as many as eight people could be missing, but the rafters were able to make it out of the river on their own or were helped out by rescuers.
The Sheriff's Office said the rafters returned to their boats and were able to travel safely downriver to Big Eddy River Access Park. They left the river around 3:30 p.m.
Authorities said all the rafters declined aid and were properly equipped and trained.
The area is popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Winter rains and snowmelt have swollen the river, which includes class 4 and 5 whitewater rapids.
KIRO
