SUV recovered from Poplar River after 8 weeks

Sept. 06--In an operation authorities described as "challenging and unique," crews Wednesday retrieved an SUV from the Poplar River near Lutsen, nearly two months after it crashed through a guardrail on Minnesota Highway 61 along with a recreational vehicle.

"Grateful that everyone is safe and there were no injuries. Well done all!" the Cook County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon.

The Sheriff's Office responded July 12 to a crash involving a motorhome that broke through the guardrail and crashed onto the east embankment of the Poplar River, resting approximately 40 feet above the fast-flowing river below. At that time, responders were unable to locate the Chevy Trailblazer that was being towed behind the RV, according to a press release.

A man and woman from Nisswa, Minn., were safely extracted from the RV at the time, authorities said. Neither reported serious injuries.

The SUV was located last week using side scan sonar. Wednesday's operation to retrieve the SUV was spearheaded by Lake City Towing, with the assistance of a Lake City salvage diver, the Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Hovland STOP Team and Lutsen Fire/EMS assisted at the scene. The operation was funded by the owner's insurance company.

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