West Columbia and county firefighters assist boaters on Congaree

West Columbia, SC (Paul Kirby) Three boaters in a johnboat had to have a little help from firefighters Monday evening when their small craft started taking on water on the Congaree River. According to Operations Chief Marquis Solomon of the West Columbia Fire Department, the boaters never seemed to be in real distress or danger, but there was enough concern about the boat’s integrity that someone did notify the fire department. The first calls came in sent emergency crews to the general area of the West Columbia River Walk.

Crews from West Columbia FD’s Swift Water Rescue team responded and were backed up by specially trained crews with a boat and other water rescue equipment from Lexington County. Assistance was quickly provided to the boaters and the firefighters were packing up to leave as the sun was setting.