ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. — Alpine County Sheriff’s deputies rescued a fisherman after his helicopter fell into the East Carson River on Tuesday, officials said.
According to the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, after a day of fishing in a remote area on the East Carson River, a fisherman tried to take off in his private helicopter when the ground underneath gave way, causing the aircraft to slide into the water.
The man was able to get out of the helicopter and made it back to the river bank safely, the office said. He then called 911 and a multiagency rescue mission was launched.
Deputies were able to locate the fisherman and his helicopter. He was transported to the Carson Valley Medical Center by Care Flight and is being treated for minor injuries, the office said.
The helicopter is still partially submerged, but the sheriff’s office said they don’t believe there is the risk of the aircraft moving down the river or fuel being leaked into the river.
The Federal Aviation Administration, United States Forest Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have all been notified of the incident and are coordinating a response.
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