Swift-water rescue team brings man to shore at Calawah River

Three sent to Forks Community Hospital and released, official says

A swift-water rescue team from Clallam County Fire District 1 works to bring a man to shore after an inflatable raft overturned Sunday in the Calawah River. (Clallam County Fire District 1)

A swift-water rescue team from Clallam County Fire District 1 works to bring a man to shore after an inflatable raft overturned Sunday in the Calawah River. (Clallam County Fire District 1)

FORKS — Three men were pulled from the Calawah River after their inflatable raft overturned and became lodged on rocks in the river, a Clallam County Fire District 1 official said.

All three adult men were transported to Forks Community Hospital on Sunday and later discharged, Fire Chief Bill Paul said.

None of the men, who were not identified, sustained any serious injuries, he added.

The fire district responded at 8:11 a.m. Sunday to a report of two people in the water and one on the shore of the river, and it deployed its swift-water rescue team, Paul said.

While the crew was en route, a second man reached the shore, Paul said.

Rescuers sent a swimmer into the water with a life vest to reach the third man, and all three were taken to the boat launch, where they were transported to the hospital by ambulance, Paul said.

The rescue team included five personnel from Fire District 1 certified in swift-water rescue plus one member each from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.

Paul said a local fishing guide, Bob Ball, assisted with rescue efforts.

More in News

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint

County, Port Angeles to rebid public safety building

Three bids rejected due to issue with electrical contractor

Aliya Gillet, the 2025 Clallam County Fair queen, crowns Keira Headrick as the 2026 queen during a ceremony on Saturday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. At left is princess Julianna Getzin and at right is princess Jasmine Green. The other princesses, not pictured, are Makenzie Taylor, Molly Beeman and Tish Hamilton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Clallam County royalty crowned for annual fair

Silent auction raises funds for scholarships

Port Angeles Community Award recipients gather after Saturday night’s annual awards gala. From left, they are Frances Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Organization of the Year; Kyla Magner, Country Aire, Business of the Year; Amy Burghart and Doug Burghart, Mighty Pine Brewing, Emerging Business of the Year; Rick Ross, Educator of the Year; Kayla Fairchild, Young Leader of the Year; John Fox, Citizen of the Year. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Community leaders honored at annual awards banquet

Fox named Citizen of Year for support of athletic events