By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The call came into Raton Dispatch at 12:42 p.m. Friday May 16, 2025, about a boating accident on the Canadian River about three miles south of the where the river crosses Highway 56 east of Springer.
Three individuals had traveled down river from Highway 56 headed for Mills Canyon and ran into submerged rocks in the rapidly moving water according to Fire Chief Anthony Burk. It was reported by Colfax County Sheriff’s Deputy that one male individual was unconscious but breathing and a second individual had suffered a broken leg. The individuals were in the river canyon with 200 plus foot cliffs on either side with very little access to the river below.
According to Colfax SO, New Mexico Game and Fish Sgt Peralta had hiked in and made it to the scene and was attending to the injured but had no way to get the individuals out. Raton Fire and Emergency was called in to do a rope rescue, but they didn’t have ropes long enough to get to the river. Additional SAR members from multiple agencies arrived on scene to aid in the rescue mission and help treat the individuals.
The New Mexico National Guard Search and Rescue arrived on scene about midafternoon with their black hawk helicopter and were able to air lift the most critical patient out of the canyon and flew him to UNM Hospital. The other injured person was helped out of the canyon on foot and the third was able to hike out on his own power.
Agencies involved in the rescue effort included
Colfax County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO)
New Mexico State Police (NMSP)
Apollo Life Flight (placed on standby)
NM National Guard Search & Rescue
Cimarron EMS
Raton Fire Search & Rescue
NM Game & Fish (NMGF)
Philmont Search & Rescue Team
