A passerby caught a short video of a Salem Fire Department rescue boat sinking in the Willamette River on Monday, Jan. 11, during a training mission. (Salem Fire Department video /screenshot)
The Salem Fire Department on Tuesday released a short video capturing the sinking of an agency boat on the Willamette River.
Three firefighters were on the boat for a training exercise when it capsized and sank in high, fast water near the Marion Street Bridge, the agency said. The three, engaged in what the agency described as boat operator training, swam to shore as the boat disappeared under water and none reported injuries.
Salvage efforts to recover the boat were anticipated later this week.
The river water level had been dropping at Salem, hitting 14.57 feet at 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The service is forecasting the river to rise in coming days, peaking at 21 feet on Thursday morning.
