Bronco stuck in a water crossing

Monday, December 30th, 2024, at 4:29 a.m. (ET), we received a request for help with an offroad recovery Near Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. The requester, Aidan Cowhig, submitted the following information: “Entered the trail from US 206, headed west along the trail for about 3 miles. 2022 Ford Bronco 2 door 4×4, stuck in a water crossing. Attempted self recovery with traction boards with no success. The vehicle is still running with the hood above the water. Made it most of the way through the water. / I’m with the vehicle / I can help cover the cost of fuel.”

Our administrator, Al Fontan, contacted the requester and verified the contact information provided, GPS location, and current situation before sending the request to local volunteers. In this particular recovery, we contacted volunteers within a 15-mile radius.

From the group of volunteers, we had Carl Walker and Patrick Croghan marking themselves as engaging. Later, we learned Carl was the first to make it there and was able to get the vehicle out. He sent us a couple of photos and a quick note.

From Carl

“Vehicle was stuck on the frame and water was coming into the interior, I pulled around the front end and just threw my soft shackle and winch line onto the front recovery point and winched them out.” 

We want to thank all those volunteers who responded to our call, and especially Carl who made the trip and took care of this offroad recovery Near Wharton State Forest.

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