Multnomah County, OR. — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is commending a 46-year-old Portland man for rescuing a distressed boater from the Columbia River on Sunday, an effort officials say showcased exceptional courage and coordination across multiple emergency responders.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said the rescue reflected “the very best of what our community in Multnomah County looks like,” noting that quick action by rescuer Solomon Florea and teamwork among dispatchers and river patrol deputies helped save the victim’s life.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 2:30 p.m. on November 16, when the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 911 call from Florea. He reported spotting an empty sailboat drifting near North Portland Harbor and a man struggling in the 57-degree water nearby. Authorities have not determined how the man ended up in the river.
Florea immediately launched his kayak, reaching the man and pulling him ashore. He wrapped the victim in layers to raise his body temperature and stayed on the line with BOEC, providing updates to Senior Dispatcher Holly Campbell while the man, cold, conscious, but increasingly disoriented, shivered audibly in the background.
Because the shoreline area has limited vehicle access, Florea guided first responders using his knowledge of Hayden Island’s geography. Portland Fire & Rescue’s Marine Program and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit located the pair and treated the patient before American Medical Response transported him to a hospital. Doctors later released the man, whose identity has not been disclosed.
BOEC Interim Director Steve Mawdsley said Florea’s calm actions and the coordination among responders demonstrated “professionalism and compassion” during a life-threatening situation.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that while the rescued boater had the proper safety gear, including a flotation device, whistle and cellphone, cold water and river conditions can quickly overwhelm even prepared individuals. Officials continue urging boaters and recreational users to exercise caution on both the Columbia and Willamette rivers, where operator error, collisions, and unexpected falls into the water remain leading causes of rescues and fatalities.
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