West Columbia Fire Department dispatched to water rescue on Congaree

West Columbia, SC (Diana Nation) – The West Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a water rescue Tuesday afternoon. According to Deputy Chief Marquis Solomon of the WCFD, a call came in at approximately 12:50 p.m. that one person was stranded on some rocks in the middle of the Congaree River.

According to Chief Solomon, the person had apparently been hopping from rock to rock and injured their lower leg becoming unable to return to shore. Before the fire department water rescue unit could arrive, a civilian boat was able to rescue the stranded rock-hopper. Another civilian attempted to rescue the person and was forced to turn around. This person did need to be retrieved from the water by the fire department.

The West Columbia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Columbia Fire Department. Eventually, everyone was returned to the shoreline safely and no one had to be transported for medical attention. The individual with the minor lower leg injury was treated at the scene.