Fact Check: "Search for drowning victims suspended due to powerful winds and poor visibility."
What We Know
On June 18, 2025, three men went missing after jumping into a waterfall in a remote area of Placer County, California. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office reported that the men entered the water at Rattlesnake Falls and did not resurface. Multiple rescue teams were deployed, including a dive team and a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) (Mercury News). The search efforts faced significant challenges due to the terrain, which was described as "extremely remote and difficult to access" (Mercury News).
The search continued into the following day but was ultimately suspended on June 19 due to "poor underwater visibility and increasing winds" (NBC Philadelphia). The sheriff's office indicated that these conditions made it unsafe to continue the search operations (SFGate).
Analysis
The claim that the search for drowning victims was suspended due to powerful winds and poor visibility is supported by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff's Office explicitly stated that the search was halted because of these adverse conditions, which were causing strong currents and visibility issues underwater (2News).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official statements from the sheriff's office and reputable news organizations such as NBC and SFGate. These outlets have a history of accurate reporting and adhere to journalistic standards. The information provided is consistent across various reports, reinforcing the validity of the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the search was suspended, it was indicated that operations would resume when conditions improved, demonstrating a commitment to safety and thoroughness in the search efforts (NBC Philadelphia).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the search for drowning victims was suspended due to powerful winds and poor visibility is accurate. Official reports confirm that these conditions directly impacted the decision to halt search operations, highlighting the challenges faced by rescue teams in such remote and dangerous environments.
