At approx. 7:41pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a car partially submerged in the water on Sauvie Island.  This response was complicated by the somewhat remote location (the extreme end of Sauvie island Rd. past Steelman Rd.).  Later reports stated that all occupants (two adults and three children) were out of the vehicle. 

  On arrival crews found a car fully submerged with the adults and children safely out and on the shore.  A pet Chihuahua was trapped however, when the car rolled into the water.  The windows in the SUV were down negating the possibility of trapped air and rescue for the pet.  


  Reports are that the family was out enjoying the natural area when the SUV they were in became stuck.  While trying to free the vehicle by "rocking" forward and back, reports are that it suddenly gained traction and rolled into the water.  Conditions made it too dangerous to return to the SUV to save the dog.

Portland Fire and Rescue reminds you to use extreme caution when operating a motor vehicle off road.


Contact Info: Lt. Damon Simmons Media Pager (503)940-6003