WATCH: 7 Students Rescued From Raging River In St. James

Made in JamaicaMay 13, 2022

Tragedy almost struck on Thursday after seven students found themselves in difficulties while swimming in the Barnett River located in Port Bellow, St. James.

Reports are that the students had to take refuge on an island in the middle of the river after heavy rainfall caused the river to rise suddenly at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. They were trapped for hours.

Firefighters, JDF and JCF members worked jointly to rescue the students. All seven students were rescued.

A helicopter was also used to assist in the rescue.

Check out the viral videos of the incident and aftermath below.

WATCH: Dramatic video shows moment the joint security forces and the fire department rescued seven people who were marooned in an area of Porto Bello, St. James after a river in the area rose to dangerous levels leaving the individuals stranded on an islet. pic.twitter.com/KXSAdAULP8
— Jamaica Constabulary Force (@JamaicaConstab) May 13, 2022

Angenel Powell, mother of 2 of the students rescued from the Barnett River in Porto Bello, St James is grateful to emergency responders who brought her children and 5 others to safety. The 7 were at the river when heavy rain and raging waters forced them to seek refuge on a mound pic.twitter.com/mBELd3j8D7
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) May 13, 2022

An emotional embrace is seen as relief and gratitude fill the atmosphere in Porto Bello, St James. The seven students, five of which are university students, who were trapped by the raging waters of the Barnett River have been rescued by emergency respondents and are now safe. pic.twitter.com/KicHEiMicl
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) May 13, 2022