Arkansas Game & Fish Commission wildlife officers helped save three people stranded on their vehicle early on Jan. 11.

The three people were trapped on the roof of their vehicle for six hours after it was swept downstream in high water on the Archey Fork of the Little Red River.

The three people were trying to cross a low-water bridge when their vehicle was carried into the current. The Dennard Fire Department, Van Buren County Search and Rescue, Faulkner County Search and Rescue as well as Game & Fish worked together in the successful rescue of the victims. Game & Fish wildlife officers have specialized training in swiftwater rescue.

Two women, who were rescued from the vehicle, were taken to Van Buren County Memorial Hospital to be treated for possible hypothermia. A male in the group refused treatment.

The Archey Fork of the Little Red River is a very remote Ozark whitewater stream that flows southeast from above Arkansas Highway 254 through Clinton in Van Buren County to Greers Ferry Lake where it joins the Middle Fork.

Outdoor, Pages 7 on 01/23/2014