Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves Three on Russian River

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office crew pulls off daring swiftwater rescue as conditions turn treacherous.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of blue, green, and gray, capturing the overwhelming scale and raw energy of the Russian River as it surges through a rugged, mountainous region. The river dominates the scene, with a small raft barely visible amidst the turbulent waters.A dramatic helicopter rescue on the Russian River underscores the power and unpredictability of Northern California's waterways.Healdsburg Today

A Sonoma County Sheriff's Office helicopter crew conducted a dramatic swiftwater rescue on the Russian River south of Healdsburg on Thursday after a raft became pinned against trees in fast-moving current. The crew used a 100-foot longline to reach and pull two juveniles and one adult to safety, while a fourth person who had fallen into the river made it to shore downstream.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the unpredictable and dangerous conditions that can develop quickly on Northern California rivers, especially during spring snowmelt and storm runoff. The successful rescue underscores the importance of wearing properly fitted life jackets when on the water.

The details

With ground access limited and water conditions too hazardous for a shore-based rescue, the Sheriff's Office helicopter crew used a 100-foot longline to reach the stranded group. A paramedic was lowered to the raft and pulled each person to safety one at a time using a horse collar rescue device. The fourth person who had fallen into the river was located and transported to safety by the helicopter.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the dramatic helicopter rescue operation.

Henry-1

The Sheriff's Office helicopter that carried out the rescue mission.

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What’s next

The Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor river conditions and educate the public on water safety as the spring snowmelt season progresses.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue operation highlights the importance of being prepared and wearing life jackets when enjoying Northern California's waterways, as conditions can change rapidly and put lives at risk. The quick action and expertise of the Sheriff's Office helicopter crew prevented a potentially tragic outcome.