Five people were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and a vessel was sunk in the aftermath of a collision between two boats — one a private boat, the other a tour boat operated by Hellgate Jetboat Excursions — along a section of the Rogue River in Josephine County.

The collision occurred at 12:39 p.m. Sunday at Two Bit Riffle, a section located about 2 miles downriver from Robertson Bridge County Park, according to a Josephine County Sheriff’s Office release.

The release provides few details about the collision, citing an ongoing investigation. What’s known is that the private boat sank in the crash and that multiple people with injuries were taken by boat to the Hellgate River Lodge for medical evaluations.

Five people were rushed by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital, but the sheriff’s office did not provide names or their medical status.

First responders at the scene included the sheriff’s office’s marine unit, Oregon State Police, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire Rescue and American Medical Response paramedics.

The company provided a statement Monday “extend(ing) our gratitude to everyone who made the safety of those involved their highest priority.”

“We are grateful for the actions of our pilot and all crew members that ensured passengers were kept safe and cared for,” the statement reads in part. “We also appreciate the professionalism and care offered by the responding emergency agencies.”

Hellgate states that they are cooperating in the investigation, and thus is not in a position to provide details or comment. The company, however, emphasized that its crew exemplified their ethos of “safety for all.”

“Our crew members’ actions to protect those at risk and make a difference demonstrated their commitment to this belief …” Hellgate said.

The collision occurred as the Oregon State Marine Board considers a rulemaking process for watercraft activity on the Upper Rogue River in Jackson County.

Property owners, fishermen, environmentalists and others have been calling for regulations, or an outright ban, on jet boat operations on that stretch of the river ever since Rogue Jet Boat Adventures began offering trips over a decade ago. Concerns range from noise and environmental impacts to the safety of river users.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Hellgate sent the Rogue Valley Times a statement Monday, and that a spokeswoman made contact with the Times declining further comment.