A woman and her dog were swept into the Carbon River in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, on Sunday, sparking an extensive search effort that has since transitioned to a recovery mission.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, 28-year-old Zuleika Witron and her dog fell from the Fairfax Bridge while hiking with her girlfriend and two dogs. The incident occurred along the river’s rugged terrain, characterized by steep inclines and challenging weather conditions.
Witnesses say Witron’s girlfriend saw her being carried away by the river’s powerful current and tried to rescue her, but was also caught in the rapids, though she was able to reach safety. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched, deploying drones and a water rescue unit to assist in the search for Witron and her dog.
Authorities later confirmed that the dog had been located about a quarter mile downstream and was returned to Witron’s girlfriend. However, Witron remains missing despite ongoing efforts.
Due to the treacherous conditions in the area, including sharp rocks and thick brush, rescuers faced significant challenges in accessing the riverbanks. The search for Witron extended 1.5 miles downstream, but efforts were hampered when poor visibility grounded a Coast Guard helicopter.
A spokesperson for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Carly Cappetto, expressed concern about the passing time, stating that each minute without a successful rescue was detrimental to the operation. The search was suspended at 6:13 p.m. on Sunday, and by Monday, officials announced that the mission had shifted from rescue to recovery. If weather conditions improve, authorities plan to use aerial resources to scan the canyon in hopes of locating Witron.
The incident highlights the dangers of the region’s swift-moving rivers and the challenges posed to rescue teams in such rugged terrain.
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