No injuries reported in John Day River rapids incident in Wheeler County
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, March 26th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
WHEELER COUNTY – (Press Release froim Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office)
Today 3/25/2026, at approximately 4:15 PM, the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the John Day River in the North Clarno area for a report of a boat stuck in the rapids with multiple individuals on board. Sheriff Holmes, Deputies, and Wheeler County Search and Rescue responded immediately.
Fortunately, all individuals involved were able to safely self-rescue prior to responders arriving on scene. At this time, the boat remains in the river. Boaters traveling through the area are advised to use extreme caution, as the vessel is still lodged in the rapids and may pose a hazard until it can be safely extricated.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated Wheeler County Search and Rescue volunteers, who are always ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help others in need. Your commitment to this community does not go unnoticed.
We would also like to extend a sincere, thank you to the Wasco County Sheriffs Office and the Oregon State Police Troopers for their timely response and assistance on scene as well as frontier regional 911 Dispatch.
River Safety Reminder: Conditions can change quickly, and even experienced boaters can find themselves in dangerous situations. Always wear a life jacket, scout unfamiliar rapids, and never underestimate the power of moving water.
**Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office photo**
