4 days ago
New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish officers help canoers to safety after boat overturns
COLFAX COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — Three canoers from Louisiana were helped to safety by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officers after their boats overturned on the Canadian River in Colfax County. One canoer was injured significantly, while another broke a leg and the third was relatively uninjured, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
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Sgt. Marcelino Peralta and Officer Tanner King were among the first on the scene when the boaters used their phone's SOS function to call for help on May 16. Their canoes had capsized in rapids five miles downstream from Taylor Springs near Springer during high-water conditions. This was in a remote area of ranch land. Peralta hiked down the east side of the canyon through a 250-feet elevation change to reach the injured canoers. Peralta rendered first aid while other responders drove to the scene.
The canoer with significant injuries was airlifted by a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter and taken to an Albuquerque hospital. He has been treated for six broken ribs and a punctured lung. Family members say he's recovering well. Responders helped the canoer who broke their leg crawl out of the canyon. The third, relatively uninjured canoer was able to walk out of the canyon on his own.
'Sgt. Peralta's knowledge of the area and ability to get to the scene saved several hours of additional wait time for two very injured men,' said Northeast Area Capt. Ty Jackson in a news release. 'Great work as always from these guys.' The department advises boaters and anglers to be cautious during high water levels caused by spring runoff, as they can create hazardous conditions.
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