Search Underway for Vehicle in Eel River

CHP reports a vehicle went off Highway 162 and into the river in Mendocino County.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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First responders were still searching Wednesday for a vehicle that reportedly drove off Highway 162 and into the Eel River in Mendocino County on Tuesday, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP says emergency rescue teams searched the water but had to suspend operations due to unsafe weather, high water levels, and poor visibility.

Why it matters

The Eel River is a major waterway in Northern California, and this incident raises concerns about public safety on the roads and the challenges of search and rescue operations in hazardous conditions.

The details

According to the CHP, officers responded to a crash on Highway 162 around 11:30 a.m. on February 17 when a vehicle was reported to have left the roadway, gone down an embankment, and entered the Eel River. Emergency rescue teams searched the water but had to stop due to unsafe weather, high water levels, and poor visibility. The CHP is now working with other agencies to resume the search when conditions allow.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on February 17, 2026.
  • Search and rescue operations were suspended on February 17 due to unsafe conditions.
  • Search and rescue personnel plan to resume operations when it is safe to do so.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is leading the search and rescue efforts.

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, which is assisting the CHP with the search.

Laytonville Fire Department

The local fire department that is participating in the search and rescue operations.

Cal Fire

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which is also involved in the search and rescue efforts.

Mendocino County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that is collaborating with the CHP on the search.

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What’s next

The CHP says search and rescue personnel will resume operations when it is safe to do so, and they are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Garberville Area office or the Humboldt Communication Center.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers of driving in hazardous conditions and the challenges faced by first responders in conducting search and rescue operations in remote and treacherous areas like the Eel River.