HTC-trained Pilots Respond to Flood Conditions in Leavittsburg, Ohio

With waters approaching "Major Flood Stage" on the Mahoning River in Trumball County, Ohio, two boaters got more than they bargained for when they headed out for a day on the water on July 12th. Luckily, HTC-trained hovercraft pilots with the Bazetta Fire Department were on hand to assist in rescue efforts in the fast-moving currents where a rescue boat wasn't able to gain access.

The Bazetta Fire Department congratulates its two certified
hovercraft pilots after their training in February 2013. 

Two men in a boat were got caught up in a flood strainer -- a powerful vortex caused by debris in fast-moving flood waters -- and were clinging to a tree fighting to stay above water when rescue workers arrived around 8:15 PM. Bazetta's hovercraft crew was called in for reinforcement after a rescue boat was unable to reach the tree. A medical helicopter was brought in to spotlight the scene as rescue efforts continued into the night. The two men were successfully rescued around 10:45 PM.