(Pinedale, WY) – The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office shared today, December 29th that several emergency crews responded to a partially submerged vehicle in the icy Green River on Sunday.
At around 10:00 pm on December 27th, SCSO Deputies, EMS, and Sublette County Unified Fire (SCUF) were dispatched to the Green River near Reardon Draw – just south of Big Piney, according to the SCSO release. A partially submerged vehicle in the icy water with the driver still in it was reported.
TipTop Search and Rescue (TTSAR) members were paged to respond, as well. Their volunteers certified and trained in both ice rescue and swift water rescue responded with their gear.
Prior to the arrival of the swift water team, SCSO Deputies and SCUF safely assisted the driver out of the vehicle utilizing a ladder that extended from the ice built up next to the bank to the bed of the truck.
TTSAR members were then tasked with the rescue of two dogs still in the cab. After several attempts, they were able to bring both dogs to safety.
Their focus then shifted to the removal of the truck. It took several attempts to attach a winch to the frame which was completely underwater and ultimately a second tow truck was called to the scene to help pull the truck out of the river.
“Working in zero-degree temperatures with ice and moving water is not something TTSAR does often, but due to their training and teamwork, the dedicated volunteers were able to accomplish the mission safely on Christmas weekend,” said the release.
The driver was taken to the Pinedale Medical Clinic to be evaluated.
No other information was released.