On Saturday, June 5, 2021 at approximately 1:32 pm, West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch received a 911 call from a group of boaters who had suddenly encountered a shallow area while wake boarding at Hebgen Lake. The boat had become stuck in the heavy mud, stopping so suddenly that the passengers were thrown forward in the boat. Fortunately, no one sustained injuries, however their boat had become hopelessly stuck. They were able to wade to shore and request assistance from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

A Gallatin County Sheriff Deputy and a volunteer from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone responded the scene with a Sheriff’s Patrol Boat. They were able to free the boat and move it into deeper water. There was no damage to the boat.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind boaters recreating in the greater Yellowstone area to be cognizant the present water levels and to familiarize themselves on the many hazardously shallow areas of the local waterways. Striking such hazards at high speed could result in equipment damage or injury.