Two overdue Carson River rafters were found by Douglas County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team members early Thursday morning on a sandbar 10 miles upriver from the old power dam.
Douglas County deputies received a report that Todd Holdren, 22, of the Gardnerville Ranchos, and Cesar Vega, 18, of Carson City were overdue at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to sheriff's Sgt. Jim Halsey. The rafters had entered the river near Markleeville and expected to land at the power dam.
After learning the rafters didn't have warm clothing, a cell phone, or outdoor survival gear, deputies called out the search and rescue team to look for them.
A dozen searchers started at the power dam and worked their way upriver, finding the two men on a small sandbar island in the middle of the river at 3:30 a.m., between China Spring and Leviathan Mine.
"They were cold, hungry and exhausted, but otherwise unharmed," Halsey said. "No medical attention was required, and they were subsequently taken home."
The search and rescue team is seeking volunteers. An academy starts Aug. 31. Applications are available at www.douglassar.org/
