Numerous responders assisted in retrieving the man from the river bank. / Courtesy photo by West Thurston Regional Fire Authority
Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 42-year-old man who said he was without food or water for three days was rescued last night from the area of the Black River near 173rd Avenue Southwest outside of Rochester.
Firefighters were searching at about 6:45 p.m. after someone was heard calling for help but needed boats to assist because of underbrush and swampy conditions, according to West Thurston Regional Fire Authority.
Members of the Thurston County Dive Team reached the man by boat by 7:40 p.m.
“Victim is alert but will be unable to move under his own power,” the fire department stated on its Facebook page.
Fire Chief Robert Scott said the man was hypothermic and wet and had been in the river, but was on the bank when he was located.
He was treated and transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital, according to the fire department.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter