Tipp crews rescue three from Great Miami River

On 5-17-25 at 4:13 PM, Tipp City Fire & Emergency Services (TCFES) responded to the area of 2900 E St Rt 571, on the Great Miami River for a report of a 2 adults and a 3-year-old stuck in the river with their boat under water. The subjects were holding onto a tree. The incident is located on the Great Miami River across the road from the gravel pits.

Upon arrival, Engine 32 located an individual who attempted to guide them to the victims. Engine 32 set incident command. Medic 31 and a Tipp City PD were delayed by a train. Tipp City PD, a MCSO deputy, and crews located the victims and performed a wading rescue to remove the victims from the strainer and out of the river. The victims were stable and able to follow all commands. The victims were dressed out in life jackets and removed from the branches. The 3-year-old was handed to the law enforcement officer and taken to shore. The adults were removed from the hazard and waded back to dry ground in a rescue formation with the firefighters. All three people refused treatment and transport. The boat was not located. The incident was stabilized in 24 minutes from arrival of the first fire apparatus.

Mutual aid was dispatched. HHFD and Troy FD Boat 11 and crews responded to the scene. Tipp City PD and Miami County Sheriff’s Department were both on scene to assist.

The river is a wonderful place to recreate. Moving water and changing conditions can create hazards. We suggest that all boaters, kayakers and floaters utilize a flotation device. The water is moving and has the ability to cause serious injuries up to death. The moving water can also destroy a trapped boat with the current.

No injuries were reported at the time  of the water rescue by crews. Crews were on the scene for approximately 1.00 hours.