Rescuing a Submerged 2009 Jeep Dam-side
Puddle Jumper Towing & Recovery was recently featured in American Towman Magazine for a recovery we handled at Lookout Point Dam in Oregon, that was truly out of the ordinary. Even for our seasoned colleagues. The feature is a big deal for our crew and something we feel genuinely honored by. The article “Dam Good Recovery: Jeep’s Deep Dive Ends with Puddle Jumper’s Big Lift,” was written by Steve Temple and covers how our crew worked with a rappelling team to bring a long‑submerged Jeep back up from the base of the dam.
Deep Mud and a Steep Dam Put Our Recovery Skills to the Test
We were called to recover a 2009 Jeep that had rested in deep water and mud since 2011 near the steep face of the dam, far below the surface. Using careful planning and constant communication, we coordinated with High Priority Consultants’ rope specialists to stabilize the Jeep, calculate our working line lengths, and position our trucks so we could lift the vehicle up to the narrow dam top without putting people or equipment at risk. Years of mud and debris increased the Jeep’s weight to about 7,200 pounds, which made the lift even more challenging, especially as wind gusts and limited visibility came into play during the work.
This is the equipment that helped us get the job done:
- 2017 NRC 40/50 CSR heavy wrecker.
- 2023 Mack MD flatbed.
- Sonetics wireless headsets for crew communication.
- Bio Synergy Environmental Ford F‑350 pickup with a 24 foot emergency spill‑response trailer.
Teamwork (and Steady Rigging) Made this Recovery Dream Work
Step by step, we brought the Jeep out of the mud, guided it around rock outcroppings, and then raised it up the dam using a spreader bar that let us secure all four wheels. Instead of flipping the Jeep onto its wheels, which the shifting mud made difficult, we lifted it upside down to keep the load controlled, then set it onto a carrier for transport once it reached the top. Law enforcement officers were on scene as well and used the opportunity to check the Jeep’s VIN and plate information as part of their forensic review.
The team on the job:
- Michael Clement, Puddle Jumper
- Michael Austin, Puddle Jumper
- Nate Mitchell, Puddle Jumper
- Kevin Schuetz, Puddle Jumper
- Chanlin McCabe, owner of High Priority Consultants
- Matthew Adams, owner of Crux Rescue
Puddle Jumper: Turning Tough Recoveries Into Proud Moments.
Jobs like this keep our team energized, because they bring together problem solving, teamwork, and a real sense of adventure. Being highlighted in a national trade magazine for work we love doing means a lot to us, and we are truly happy and grateful to see this recovery shared with the wider towing community.
- Follow this link to read the full article in Towman Magazine: American Towman Magazine
- We have also covered this story on our Puddle Jumper blog: Pushing Limits: Recovering a Submerged 2009 Jeep
- We invite you to explore our other blog stories For more recoveries and industry insights: Puddle Jumper blog
