The Mat-Su Borough Water Rescue Team, Emergency Medical Services and Butte Fire Department conducted complex rescue operations in the Jim Creek and Knik Glacier areas this past weekend.
The first incident occurred in the Knik Glacier area. A side-by-side vehicle rolled over into fast-moving water, resulting in injuries to the occupant. The rescue was prolonged and technically demanding. Water levels were rising rapidly due to increased glacial melt from warm temperatures. These conditions meant that traditional access methods, including ATVs, were ineffective.
The Matu-Su Department of Emergency Services personnel and the Water Rescue Team deployed specialized resources. These included a rescue airboat and an aluminum-hull jet ski. First responders utilized the smaller rescue craft to transfer EMS personnel and equipment to the patient.
The patient was assessed and stabilized after rescue personnel ferried EMS providers and medical equipment to the scene. Helicopter evacuation was determined to be the safest course of action to bring the patient to the hospital due to the severity of injuries and the remote location. The Rescue Coordination Center was contacted and Pararescue Jumpers were deployed. The Jumpers extracted and transported the patient to medical care.
A second incident occurred in the Jim Creek area involving a truck that became disabled during a water crossing while the first rescue was underway. The occupant became stranded in rising waters.
Resources staged for the first rescue, along with additional responders, rapidly redeployed. Utilizing a nearby rescue craft, crews quickly reached and safely recovered the individual without injury.
Department of Emergency Services leadership said, “These incidents highlight not only the inherent dangers of recreating in glacial river environments, but also the dedication, skill, and seamless coordination of our responders.”
DES encourages extreme caution when recreating on ATVs in the backcountry of Alaska. Water crossings are inherently risky. Conditions change rapidly. They can impact even seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Rescues are difficult and time consuming.
It’s Wednesday. The Matanuska Community Farmers Market is open today from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Log Church.
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This Page Two article was summarized from a Mat-Su Borough press release and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday June 24, 2026.