07/05/2026
Today at approximately 1:30 PM, the Matamoras and Westfall Dive Teams were dispatched to a report of two people in the Delaware River without life jackets. Moments later, the City of Port Jervis Fire Department and Orange County resources were also requested under mutual aid.
While en route, Pike County Communications updated responding units that one person was now missing in the river.
Matamoras and Westfall rescue boats were launched within minutes, joined by rescue boats from Port Jervis and Sparrowbush. As crews searched the river, the Matamoras boat made contact with the missing person’s friends, who reported that he had gone under the water and they feared the worst.
The search immediately shifted to a possible water rescue/recovery.
Moments later, responders were notified that the missing individual had been located approximately one mile downstream after being pulled from the river by others.
As crews brought the friends back to shore, the rescued individual was transported to the command post at the #2 Bridge Beach. The emotional reunion that followed was one that will not soon be forgotten. Believing they had lost their friend, they broke down in tears, hugging him in overwhelming relief. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly the Delaware River can change lives in a matter of seconds.
Thankfully, this incident ended with the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, not every call has that ending.
The individual who went into the water was not wearing a life jacket. After the rescue, one of the friends said, “We see people drown in the Delaware River every year, but we never thought it could be us. This river doesn’t look that bad.”
Please, if you are enjoying the Delaware River this summer, wear a properly fitted life jacket. The current is stronger than it appears, conditions can change instantly, and even experienced swimmers can find themselves in trouble.
River rescues require coordination, teamwork, and training. Today’s successful outcome was made possible through the outstanding cooperation between all responding agencies.
Thank you to the responders from Matamoras Fire Department, Westfall Township Fire Department, Port Jervis Fire Department, Sparrowbush Fire Department, Orange County mutual aid resources, and Pike County Communications.
Today, everyone went home. That’s the outcome we all hope for.
