SPRINGER, N.M. — Two conservation officers from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish recently helped three canoers from Louisiana to safety after their boats overturned on the Canadian River in Colfax County.
Sgt. Marcelino Peralta and Officer Tanner King were among the first on the scene after the boaters used their phone’s SOS function to call for help on May 16. Their canoes had capsized in some rapids approximately five miles downstream from Taylor Springs, near Springer, during high-water conditions in a remote area of ranch land. Sgt. Peralta hiked down the east side of the canyon in challenging terrain, including an elevation change of 250 feet in just half a mile, to reach the injured canoers first. Peralta then rendered first aid while other responders drove around from the west side to reach the scene.
One of the canoers was found to have suffered significant internal injuries, and was airlifted by a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter and transported to an Albuquerque hospital. He has since been treated for six broken ribs and a punctured lung and is recovering well, according to family members. Another canoer suffered a broken leg and refused transport, so responders assisted him in crawling out of the canyon, while the third canoer was relatively uninjured and was able to walk out of the canyon on his own at least six hours after the boats overturned.
“Sgt. Peralta’s knowledge of the area and ability to get to the scene saved several hours of additional wait time for two very injured men,” said Northeast Area Capt. Ty Jackson. “Great work as always from these guys.”
The Department advises boaters and anglers to be cautious, as high water levels caused by spring runoff may create hazardous conditions.
Sgt. Marcelino Peralta
Officer Tanner King