CHP helicopter and 775 Off Road and Recovery, rescue two stranded Jeep occupants in Alpine County
At 6:01 a.m. on the morning of June 2, the 775 Off Road and Recovery Dispatch Team received a distress call from two individuals stranded on the roof of their Jeep Wrangler in the middle of the fast-moving South Fork Carson River in Alpine County, Calif.
The vehicle had become stuck while attempting to cross the river after a visit to nearby hot springs.
With no cell service in the remote area, the occupants used a Starlink satellite internet unit and power pack to contact 775 Off Road and Recovery — a critical move that likely saved their lives.
Upon receiving the call, Dispatch Director for 775 Off Road and Recovery immediately requested GPS coordinates, photos, and videos of the situation. Real-time communication was maintained via text thanks to the satellite connection. As the river conditions quickly worsened, dispatch escalated the call to the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, providing all available details, including the individuals’ precise location and safety concerns.
As the vehicle began to shift in the rising waters — estimated to be in the low 40s —the Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were dispatching a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter, along with ground support via Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles. Meanwhile, 775 Off Road and Recovery mobilized a recovery team from Dayton, Carson City, and South Reno, heading out via the treacherous Leviathan Mine Road.
775’s remote operations team monitored ADS-B air traffic to track the incoming helicopter and provided regular updates to the stranded individuals and ground teams. Douglas County Search and Rescue arrived on scene ahead of the helicopter, making verbal contact and assuring the individuals that help was moments away.
Shortly after, the CHP helicopter arrived on site and successfully hoisted the two individuals from the roof of their vehicle to the riverbank, where SAR personnel performed health checks.
At approximately 11:32 AM, the Jeep was successfully recovered from the river by 775 Off Road and Recovery volunteers. Though the vehicle was no longer drivable due to water damage, the team executed a safe exit back to the highway without requiring a temporary road closure — despite the well-known hazards of Leviathan Mine Road.
Acknowledgments
775 Off Road and Recovery would like to sincerely thank the following for their timely response and collaboration:
Alpine County Sheriff’s Office
Douglas County Search and Rescue
California Highway Patrol
The Jeep owner and companion for remaining calm and cooperative
Our dedicated volunteers, both on the ground and supporting remotely
About 775 Off Road and Recovery
775 Off Road and Recovery is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in vehicle recoveries in remote and backcountry areas across northern and central Nevada. The organization upholds Tread Lightly! principles, prioritizes responsible land use, and regularly participates in community outreach and events.
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