"Tragedy on the Selway River: A Reminder of Wilderness Dangers"
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"Tragedy on the Selway River: A Reminder of Wilderness Dangers"
[!CDATA[Tragedy struck on the Selway River as two individuals lost their lives while rafting a challenging section of the river. The incident occurred between Double Drop and Wa-Poots rapids in the remote Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area during the spring runoff. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending notification of their families. The Idaho County sheriff’s office received a distress call from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center, indicating that CPR was being performed at a location along the Selway River. Subsequently, another distress signal was received, reporting that a second person had fallen into the water and CPR was underway approximately 2 miles downstream from the initial incident. The Selway River, known for its 47-mile roadless stretch from Paradise to the takeout near Selway Falls, posed challenges for rescue efforts due to its remote location. Idaho Life Flight responded to the scene but unfortunately confirmed the deaths of both individuals. The rugged terrain made it difficult for traditional rescue methods, prompting the need for specialized assistance. Two Bear Air Rescue was called in to assist with the recovery operation. Despite the challenging conditions caused by flooding and steep terrain, the rescue team successfully used their helicopter winch system to extract the victims from the canyon. The bodies were then transferred to the Idaho County Coroner for further procedures. In the wake of this tragic incident, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the individuals who lost their lives on the Selway River. The remote and rugged nature of the wilderness area serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities. Stay informed, stay safe, and cherish every moment spent in the great outdoors.]]