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On Friday night, at approximately 9 p.m., the Franklinton Police Department, in conjunction with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, conducted a swift water rescue on the Bogue Chitto River about 4.5 miles north of Franklinton, according to a Facebook post by Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown.

Brown said that Franklinton police officers were able to successfully locate two females clinging to a log in the middle of the river.

“Initial reports indicate the females were canoeing with a group when their canoe capsized after hitting an obstruction,” Brown said. “When officers arrived, the canoe was submerged and the women were clinging to a log. The leg of one woman was pinned between the canoe and the log by the current. The women advised they had been in the water for two hours. A member of the group who had reached the river bridge alerted law enforcement.”

One female was transported to the hospital with a hip injury and the other received treatment for exposure, Brown said.

“Both individuals are extremely blessed to be alive,” Brown said. “The situation was very hazardous, given the swift current and the water level of the river. I’m afraid the result would have been very different had not the emergency call been placed and our agencies didn’t have the equipment and training necessary to conduct swift water rescues.

“I am thankful for the continued partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and the outstanding work of our police officers and deputies.”