Tugboat Crew Rescues Elderly Wash. Couple

Sept. 10--An elderly Kennewick couple were rescued by a tugboat in the Snake River Tuesday evening after their boat caught fire near Ice Harbor Dam.

Their boat caught fire above the dam about 7 p.m., said firefighter Josh Dougan, duty officer for Walla Walla Fire District 5.

The man and woman jumped into the river and held onto the side of the boat. A tugboat that saw the smoke came, rescued them and brought them to the dam, where they were met by firefighters, Dougan said.

The two were taken to Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco.

The boat ended up sinking. Dougan said officials have notified the National Response Center and officials at the dam.

Copyright 2014 - Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.)