Tri-Cities rescue crews search Columbia River for man seen jumping from blue bridge

Rescue crews searched the Columbia River in vain Tuesday night after someone saw a man jump off the blue bridge into the water.

Columbia Basin Dive Rescue launched three boats in the area near Clover Island about 9 p.m. and scanned the dark waves with bright lights for nearly 1 1/2 hours before calling off the search for the night.

A witness reported seeing a man dressed in a dark coat and knit hat go over the railing in the middle of the Highway 395 bridge shortly before 9 p.m.

Police also searched the Kennewick and Pasco shorelines but found no signs of anyone.

The search efforts were hampered by gusting winds.

This story was originally published November 30, 2021 at 10:54 PM.