Stranded in the Dark: Battalion 3 Crews Rescue Three from Susquehanna River Island

Endicott, NY - Specialized water rescue teams carried out a coordinated late-night river extraction on Thursday, safely pulling three individuals trapped on an island in the Susquehanna River back to shore.

At approximately 11:10 p.m. on September 24, 2026, the Endicott Fire Department was dispatched as part of the Battalion 3 Water Rescue Team following emergency reports of three people stranded on an island in the river corridor near Harold Moore Park. Platoon 4 mobilized Utility 25 and trailered two department watercraft to stage an immediate launch.

Endicott Boat 25-1 and Vestal Fire Department Boat 32-4 launched onto the water, navigating darkness and river currents toward the island with New York State Troopers on board to assist with security and recovery. Responders made contact with the group, loaded all three subjects onto Boat 25-1, and transported them safely back to the Moore Park boat ramp.

On the riverbank, paramedics from the Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad evaluated and treated the individuals for cold-weather exposure. The successful overnight mission was bolstered by shore-based operational support provided by the Endwell Fire Department, ensuring communications and perimeter control remained secure throughout the recovery.