Emergency crews rescue paddle boarders stranded by rising Yakima River

A West Richland couple had a close call while paddle boarding on the Yakima River Friday.

The couple, Dylan and Tamara Neish, were left stranded after the river rose much faster than initially forecast.

When the Columbia Basin Dive and Rescue Team arrived, Dylan was clinging to a tree after losing his board. Tamara was able to safely get to the bank.

West Richland officials were meeting with Benton County Emergency Management to begin closing off low lying areas only about an hour before the call for a water rescue came in.

Initially the river was expected to reach the minor flood stage later this weekend, but by Friday afternoon forecasts had shifted, and waters had already nearly reached the “action” stage of 11 feet.

The National Weather Service expected the river to rise to 13 feet, or minor flooding stage, Saturday night and crest at 13.9 feet Sunday night. Moderate flooding stage starts at 14.5 feet.

Scott Hunt contributed to this report.