PHOTOS: First responders in Monroe had their hands full on Tuesday with two water rescues, and one was described by firefighters as an “incredible save.”
At 6:34 p.m., Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue crews were sent to a report of a man in a small boat heading down the furious Skykomish River near 187th Avenue Southeast and 175th Place Southeast.
As he went down the river, the man was able to call 911 and remain on the line with dispatchers to keep them updated on his location.
Given the darkness, raging river conditions and limited access, it was too dangerous for crews to launch a boat.
Instead, rescuers went downriver to the State Route 522 overpass over the Snohomish River, hoping the man would be able to grab a rope. The Washington State Patrol closed the highway to allow firefighters to work.