Family Rescued from Island in Schuykill River

Two adults and three children suffered no injuries after becoming stranded on an island in the Schuylkill River between Royersford and Spring City on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency responders used four rafts to retrieve the five family members after they first called 9-1-1 for help at about 1:30 p.m. According to public safety radio reports, the male caller told 9-1-1 dispatchers that he and his family had walked out to the island earlier in the day, then discovered that they were unable to get back to shore.

Emergency responders from Linfield, Spring City, Oaks, Mont Clare, and Royersford assisted at the rescue scene. The family was brought to safety on the Spring City side of the river. Four total boats were launched - three from the Royersford side at 1st Avenue and Arch Street, and one from the Spring City side. The rescue was completed by 2:20 p.m.

Royersford Fire Chief Gary Wezel said he "had no idea" why the family was on the island, but that nobody would be charged for the rescue.

"It's a life lesson ... and it's good practice for us," Wezel said with a laugh.