Updated at 8:55 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A dive rescue team has been dispatched to the Chehalis River southwest of Rochester to search for a 16-year-old boy.
Aid and deputies responded to the approximately 5 p.m. call to an area near the Independence Road Bridge, at Michigan Hill Road, according to the Thurston County Sheriffs Office.
“He was with a group of people and tried to swim across,” sheriff’s Lt. Greg Elwin said. “He went below the surface and did not come back up.
Responders are operating in rescue mode and hoping to find him, Elwin said just after 6 p.m.
Even though some time has passed, the cold temperature of the water gives them hope he can be revived if he is found submerged, according to Elwin.
Just before 9 p.m. tonight, Elwin said there was no change.
“It’s getting dark here pretty soon, we’ll suspend our efforts,” Elwin said.
Searchers don’t yet have a morning plan, he said.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
These damn updates are killin me Sharon! I feel so bad for these folks. Having lost a child of my own my heart goes out to them. It has been almost 30 years but I know the world of pain they are facing and I sure hope the Mom’s faith does help her thru it. It’s just so sad when it’s the children.
Prayers to the boy, his family & friends!