Stranded Eagle River teens rescued from sandbar near Sutton

PALMER — A pair of Eagle River teens were rescued Monday evening from a sandbar near the Matanuska River in the Sutton area, according to an Alaska State Troopers dispatch posted early Tuesday morning.

Troopers were contacted by Tatum Bertholl, 18, according to the report. Bertholl and Mikenzie Perez, also 18, were camping in the area, and were stranded on a sandbar near the mouth of Eska Creek. Rapidly rising river water prevented the pair from crossing, according to the dispatch, and their vehicle was stuck in the mud.

Troopers responded but were also unable to cross the water. HELO 3, in the air after a separate rescue mission, was able to respond and both teens were rescued safely, troopers said.

The teens were later reunited with family at a local private runway nearby, according to the report.