RIVERSIDE (CNS) – Riverside firefighters in boats rescued two men and two dogs who were trapped by fast-moving water on the Santa Ana River bottom, authorities said Friday.
"Want to get caught up on what’s happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts."
The dangerous incident was reported at about 9 p.m. Thursday at the Mission Inn Avenue bridge over the Santa Ana River, according to Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Richmond.
The men had a cell phone which enabled dispatchers to use GIS technology and What3Words to pinpoint their location, Richmond said.
“The first arriving engine crew made voice contact with the men, though they were not visible,” he said. “The Riverside Fire Water Rescue team, along with a regional OES Water Rescue team, responded. A team member deployed a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or drone) with thermal imaging, which, despite the rain, successfully located the men. They were found clinging to trees with their feet dangling in the water.”…