When Teamwork and a Rotator Save the Day
Every once in a while, we are called to a towing job that is truly memorable. This time, the culprit was a 2009 Jeep submerged at the base of a dam. The Army Corps of Engineers tasked us with developing a recovery plan. Obviously, we were thrilled to accept. We knew this Eugene rotator recovery job would be a challenging yet rewarding operation.
Mud, Sweat, and Gears
The Jeep had been resting undisturbed since 2011, buried beneath the water level. To access the car, the water table had to be significantly lowered. Using a rangefinder, we determined the Jeep was 238 feet down and away from the dam wall, dangerously close to the trash gates. These gates are crucial for preventing debris from entering the reservoir and moving downstream.
Given the depth and proximity to the dam, we partnered with High Priority Consultants, a team of incredible repelling specialists. With safety as our top priority, we conducted a comprehensive briefing that outlined a five-phase recovery plan. This included addressing potential engineering concerns, performing precise mathematical calculations, and identifying and mitigating safety hazards.
Defying Mother Nature
Working on the edge of a dam with only a four-foot railing is inherently dangerous, and the weather was not our friend that day. It was bitterly cold, with high winds gusting up to 10 miles per hour and thick fog severely limiting visibility. These conditions made our Eugene rotator recovery operation even more complex.
Pulling Strings and Turning Booms
Our recovery strategy relied on the NRC 4050 composite sliding rotator – a heavy tow truck with a 360-degree rotating boom. This piece of equipment was key to maneuvering around obstacles and lifting the Jeep from its submerged position.
Careful calculations were made for rope lengths, ensuring sufficient reach to the Jeep. We utilized a combination of 7/8″ synthetic rope with a 20,000 lbs. working load limit, heavy-duty lifting straps, and “continuous loop” straps that offered exceptional strength.
The actual recovery involved a delicate dance. The repelling crew accessed and stabilized the Jeep first. We then carefully extracted it from the mud, navigating around a large outcropping. Initially estimated at 5,000 lbs., the Jeep’s weight was closer to 7,200 lbs. due to accumulated mud and debris.
Forensics at the Finish Line
Lifting the Jeep proved to be the most difficult phase. Attempts to flip it onto its wheels were thwarted by the weight and shifting mud. Instead, we opted to lift it upside down using a spreader bar to secure all four wheels.
As the recovery progressed, the wind intensified. Constant communication with the repelling crew ensured their safety while maintaining precision in the operation. Finally, after hours of effort, we successfully lifted the Jeep over the dam wall and onto a tow truck for transportation. Law enforcement officers were on-site to conduct forensic analysis, searching for identifying information such as the VIN number and license plate to locate the owner.
Puddle Jumper: The Right Choice for any Eugene Rotator Recovery Challenge
Operations like this Eugene rotator recovery remind us why we love what we do. No day is like the other in this business. Braving the elements, seeing teamwork in action, and achieving the seemingly impossible is what drives us every day. Our experience with Eugene rotator recovery allows us to tackle the most complex challenges, from submerged vehicles to rugged terrains. When you need a trusted partner for Eugene rotator recovery, look no further than Puddle Jumper. It’s not just about recovering vehicles – it’s about the thrill of solving problems and making the impossible possible. One Eugene rotator recovery at a time!