Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

Nevada man plucked from raging California river in dramatic video

Rescue

A man in need of rescue in a California river is seen in a screen grab from a YouTube video.

RENO — A Nevada man is safe after helicopter rescuers plucked him from a rock surrounded by swift-moving water above a nearly 50-foot waterfall in California.

California Highway Patrol Officer David White said Tuesday that 25-year-old Kalani Tuiono escaped from the frigid, snowmelt-choked Yuba River with minor scratches and scrapes on Saturday, an outcome that amazed rescuers.

Dramatic video shows Tuiono perched on a lone rock surrounded by rushing water, with the waterfall just below. Steep rock frames the river.

White says he was caught by the undertow and swept a mile downstream from Emerald Pools, a picturesque swimming hole known for its colorful water.

Auburn, Calif.-based rescuers maneuvered above the falls, dropped down to him in a rescue basket and carried him to safety.

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