YOLO COUNTY (CBS13) – Concern is running high for why five rafters got on a river that’s running too low. The rafters got rescued after spending a long night stranded in the cold Cache Creek.
Five friends meant to take a short day trip. Instead, they were stuck overnight just as the weather got worse.
“We’re experienced boaters, but we did make an error getting on a river we thought would be a much shorter trip,” said Sue Lorimer.
They knew they’d made a mistake soon enough. Luckily they had some supplies, which helped when they had to set up emergency camp.
“We didn’t have camping gear with us, but we did have flashlights and matches and were able to get a fire. We had food and water,” said Sue.
But why go rafting at all at this time of year? That’s the question authorities are asking.
“It is not normal at this time of year. There’s not enough water in that area to support all that rafting,” said Lt. Martin Torres of the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department.
Getting sighted by helicopter search crews ended their ordeal, but not soon enough to quell thoughts of what might have happened.
“People were most worried about what their family members were thinking,” said Sue.
The rafters say this won’t keep them away from the river, but next time they’ll check conditions before they hit the water.
