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.