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17 rescued in flood

PICKENS COUNTY — Seventeen people were rescued on Monday after an RV park on the Eastatoe River in the Sunset community flooded, trapping the campers.

Pickens County Emergency Management said the call for a swift-water rescue came in a little before 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, prompting emergency crews to be dispatched to the scene.

In all, 14 campers and three firefighters were loaded into boats and transported up-stream to higher ground and safety after the river swelled beyond its banks.

No injuries were reported.

Pickens County Emergency Management officials said after being rescued the campers were evacuated to the nearby Vineyards Fire Department.

Around 30 rescuers from several different departments came together in the rescue effort, they said.

A video posted on the Pickens County Facebook page showed responders in small motorized rubber boats bringing people to shore where emergency medical services awaited them.

The campers appeared a little chilly and wet in the video, but in good spirits and thankful to their rescuers.

According to the campground’s website, The Eastatoee River RV Park only accepts RVs or motor-homes that are self-contained into the gated property. They have room for 10.

“Our campground is located in the beautiful Big Eastatoee Valley, which is in the mountains of Pickens County, South Carolina. We are about half way between Table Rock State Park and Keowee Toxaway State Park, three miles north of Highway 11,” the website reads. “Sites 1 through 7 are riverfront with direct access to the cool mountain stream.”

The flooding was brought on by Monday’s heavy rainfall which yielded upwards of 4-5 inches of precipitation in some parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service.

Often times referred to as the “Eastatoe creek” at its upper section, the river is part of the Jocassee Gorges and is a popular destination for trout and fly fishing as well as hiking and camping.

The flooding was brought on by Monday’s heavy rainfall which yielded upwards of 4-5 inches of precipitation in some parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_rescue1.jpgThe flooding was brought on by Monday’s heavy rainfall which yielded upwards of 4-5 inches of precipitation in some parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service. Courtesy photos
Seventeen people were rescued on Monday after an RV park on the Eastatoe River in the Sunset community flooded.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_rescue2.jpgSeventeen people were rescued on Monday after an RV park on the Eastatoe River in the Sunset community flooded. Courtesy photos
Pickens County Emergency Management said the call for a swift-water rescue came in a little before 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 23.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_rescue3.jpgPickens County Emergency Management said the call for a swift-water rescue came in a little before 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. Courtesy photos
Pickens County Emergency Management officials said after being rescued the campers were evacuated to the nearby Vineyards Fire Department.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_rescue4.jpgPickens County Emergency Management officials said after being rescued the campers were evacuated to the nearby Vineyards Fire Department. Courtesy photos

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@championcarolinas.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.

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