In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, 5 men decided to try running the Croton River in a raft.  At least one of the 5 was very experienced with this particular river.  All 5 were outfitted with helmets and lifejackets.  The river was running extremely high, fast and was full of debris from the storm.  Entering the river about 100 yards south of the Croton Dam, they travelled perhaps 1/2 mile before the raft overturned.  Numerous callers reported the incident to the police.  The first would-be rafter was found clinging to some trees in the water.  He was brought to shore, where he refused any medical attention. A second subject was located in the middle of the river, near Van Cortland Manor; he was pulled into the rescue craft, and CPR was administered first by rescue staff and later by EMTs.  He was not resuscitated.  A third sunject was discovered when he contacted the police from a nearby town where he was able to rescue himself from the river.  A fourth occupant was also able to get himself out of the river, and he was able to assist in the rescue efforts by directing efforts towards the location where the raft flipped.  The final occupant was found clinging to trees in the river by a local resident, who called his location in to the rescue team.
CROTON-ON-HUDSON              