Teens vanish tubing on Alabama river, setting off hourslong search, officials say
Four teens reported missing while rafting along an Alabama river were found safe after an hourslong search, officials said.
The teens began floating the Cahaba River, near Birmingham, at about 6 p.m. June 8 using an inflatable pool and were reported missing three hours later, Leeds Fire and Rescue officials told WBRC.
Rescuers from multiple agencies across several nearby towns helped in the search, and the students were found safe at about 1 a.m. June 9 after being spotted by a helicopter, the Irondale Police Department said in a Facebook post and AL.com reported.
According to officials, the teens got out of the water and started walking along the shoreline when their raft started having issues, AL.com reported.
Medical officials treated the teens after they were found, police said. No one was injured.
“The support shown by the community for the family and friends of the students stranded on the Cahaba River was truly remarkable,” police said. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared when enjoying the outdoors.”
This story was originally published June 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM with the headline "Teens vanish tubing on Alabama river, setting off hourslong search, officials say."
