Josephine County, OR – An injured rafter was airlifted from a remote stretch of the Rogue River after a coordinated rescue involving the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to authorities.
According to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, 9-1-1 dispatch received a report at approximately 4:57 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, of a rafter suffering a severe leg injury in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River, west of Galice.
Officials said the emergency report was sent via Garmin GPS text messaging because there is no cellular service in the area. Due to the rugged terrain and remote location, authorities determined that traditional search and rescue methods or water access would likely have delayed reaching the injured person.
The sheriff’s office coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, which launched a rescue helicopter to assist.
According to authorities, the helicopter landed near the injured rafter, provided initial medical care at the scene, and then flew the patient to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The sheriff’s office thanked the U.S. Coast Guard for its assistance and emphasized the importance of preparing for emergencies when recreating in remote areas.
Officials encouraged rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts to carry alternate forms of communication, such as satellite messaging devices, when traveling in areas without cell coverage. They also recommend sharing travel plans and expected return times with family or friends before heading into remote locations.
