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‘Close call’ for Linden family backing boat into river on access ramp

Once tow truck cables were attached to the Chevy, it took about an hour to get the vehicle out of the Susquehanna River. PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Operating a 1995 Chevy Suburban, a father, with his two children in the vehicle, was backing his motorboat into the Susquehanna River at the Antlers Lane boat launch late Sunday afternoon when the SUV suddenly kicked out of gear, causing the vehicle to descend rapidly down the boat ramp and into the water, according to Woodward Township Fire Chief Richard Whalen.

“It was a close call,” but the children safely escaped through a passenger window and their father got out of the vehicle as well before it was totally submerged, Whalen said he was told.

“This could have ended tragically,” he added.

No one was injured in the mishap, which took place about 5:30 p.m., Whalen said.

“Something went mechanically wrong with the GMC,” he said. The vehicle was under water in less than a minute, Whalen added.

PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Besides Woodward Township, firefighters from the city and Old Lycoming Township also responded

A towing company responded and removed the vehicle from the water about 7 p.m.

The SUV’s owner, who is from the Linden area, worked in the water to attach the tow truck’s cables to his vehicle, Whalen said.

PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

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