Fire crews rescued a man and a woman trapped in a dangerous current in the San Juan Creek during heavy rain on Valentine’s Day.
The Orange County Fire Authority posted dramatic footage on X on Friday morning, showing crews using a boat and a helicopter to save lives.
OCFA said calls came in around 1:42 a.m. on Feb. 14, reporting the pair was trapped in the fast-moving water, trying to survive by holding onto trees and bushes.
Crews responded and began using multiple resources including searching from shore, in boats ready to launch, on bridges downstream, in the air and swift water rescue personnel positioned specifically for the rain event, according to OCFA.
“One of the victims, who had been dragged downstream by the swift current, jumped into the arms of the helicopter rescuer just as he was about to be secured,” OCFA said on X. “The rescuer held onto the victim, quickly secured him, and the helicopter lifted them safely to shore.”
Paramedics on the scene then took both victims to a hospital for evaluation. Officials did not immediately say what condition the pair was in when they were taken to the hospital.
“Please continue to be vigilant about your safety around water, especially during storms,” said OFCA.
