Rescuers pulled a 51-year-old man and his dog off the Green River Wednesday morning near Green Valley Meats after they reportedly fell off a small, inflatable raft Tuesday night and spent the night on a small island, a Mountain View Fire and Rescue press release said.
King County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and Mountain View Fire and Rescue's Swiftwater Rescue Team used an inflatable rescue board to wade across the river to the man and his dog Wednesday morning.
They helped the man off the island within a few minutes and he was transported to the hospital to treat his injuries and try to warm him up. He had taken off his wet clothes to avoid hypothermia and spend the night naked waiting for help.
KIRO-TV has an interview with the man, identified as John Culp.
Several construction workers Wednesday morning heard the man yelling for help and called 9-1-1.
The man along with his dog Ozzy were reported missing at 2 a.m. by his wife after he reportedly look the dog for a walk but never came home. Auburn Police searched for him near his residence but didn't locate him.
Officials take this opportunity to remind people to always wear life jackets anytime they are on the water. This man did not have a life vest nor did he have a paddle, said fire spokesman Tim Perciful.
Be sure to communicate with someone whenever you are going to be near the water so they know your location, contact information and when you expect to be home.
