On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a mutual aid request for 7 individuals stranded on an island near Rock House Bottom after rising water cut off their access to the shore.

Crews arrived on scene and safely transported all 7 individuals back to the bank before the situation escalated. No injuries were reported.

Rising water can happen fast, and what starts as a fun day on the river can turn into an emergency in a matter of minutes. If you’re heading out on the water, keep an eye on conditions, wear a life jacket, and let someone know your plans.

Great work by everyone involved today. This is exactly why mutual aid partnerships matter — many hands make quick, safe work possible.