Divers Lead Mississippi River Rescue Efforts
Shanna Hanson and Raul Ramos were among the first on the scene.
Aug. 3, 2007 — -- Minneapolis firefighters and rescue divers Capt. Shanna Hanson and Raul Ramos were among the first on the scene when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River Wednesday.
Images of Hanson searching and probing submerged cars beneath the rubble of the collapsed bridge were perhaps some of the most memorable of that day.
"The visibility is really poor in the river at this time of year, probably less than a foot," Hanson said. "I was mostly searching just by touch and feel."
Hanson quickly pointed out that her work was just a small part of the day's efforts. She was among "so many other crews in such treacherous conditions."
The massive amounts of debris in the water created whirlpools that inhibited Hanson's search. "The current was fluctuating just because of the concrete below blocking it so certain channels were swifter than others. … At no time did I feel in danger of being sucked under."
Ramos was right by Hanson's side. He rescued or recovered at least a dozen people, including one victim who was completely submerged in a car.
"With the help from Minneapolis Police Department, we pulled her out," Ramos said.
Despite Hanson's experience with search and rescue, she said nothing prepared her for the bridge disaster.
"As much as you train and try to train as realistically as possible, you're never prepared to come to something like this in your own city," Hanson said.