Due to the recent rains the Rappahannock River has become a busy place for the Swiftwater Rescue personnel of Falmouth. At 11:47 hours, while on patrol, a Stafford Sheriff's Deputy at the Little Falls boat ramp noticed the City of Fredericksburg Paddle Wheel boat not in its normal location at the Fredericksburg City Dock. The dinner cruise boat was about one mile from it's home, so the deputy radioed for assistance bringing a water rescue assignment. Engine, Rescue, MSU/Boat, and Chief 1 responded with 14 to the scene. Deputy Chief 51 (MacDonald) was the first to arrive and established the command. Boat 1 launched and found the boat was placed there due to the flooding conditions. Units returned to service at 12:20 hours.
Just after the crew finished cleaning up from that response, the second call for a water rescue came in reporting four persons on innertubes that were being swept downstream towards the Chatham Bridge. Once again the Boat was launched, from the Fredericksburg City Dock and responded to the scene. Rescue 1 made contact with the persons in the water and removed them prior to Boat 1 arriving on-scene. Units cleared that scene in under 20 minutes.
Finally at 18:10 hours Company 1 units were responding back to Little Falls for the third water rescue of the day. This incident involved a vessel taking on water with no power. Minutes after the the alarm was transmitted MSU/ Boat 1 arrived to find a 16' bowrider about 1/4 of mile downriver with four occupants on board. Engine 1 and Rescue 1 arrived and assisted the boat with launching into the river. Chief 1 established the "Rappahannock River Command". Boat 1 was able to quickly get to the stranded vessel, evaluate the persons on board, and tow it back to it to safety. Company 1 units went in service at 18:58 hours.
