by KOMO News Staff
Sun, March 23rd 2025 at 2:59 PM
Updated Mon, March 24th 2025 at 10:08 PM
Image of a dog who fell into the Carbon River and was found 2 miles down the river being rescued. (Photo: Pierce County Sheriff's Office)
Woman, dog fall into Carbon River and are swept away, search efforts intensify
CARBON RIVER, Wash. — A woman and her dog fell into the Carbon River on Sunday afternoon and were swept away by the water, prompting a multi-agency search effort that rapidly escalated.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office reported that the 28-year-old woman was walking with her boyfriend and the dog when she and the animal fell into the river. It's unknown exactly how they fell in, but they were quickly carried away by the current.
The PCSO said the boyfriend had to walk 10 to 15 minutes away from the scene to get phone service to call for help.
By the time he returned, both the woman and the dog were gone.
The search operation currently involves 23 units, including the Coast Guard, search and rescue teams, and a rope course team.
A drone located the dog alive approximately two miles from where they fell, but the woman had not been seen for over an hour as of 2:45 p.m.
The PCSO emphasized the dangers of the area, citing dangerous rip tides and cold temperatures.
The terrain where the incident occurred is described as very rocky" with lots of cliffs, making it difficult for rescue resources to access.
The PIO also noted the more time that goes by, the less success finding her alive is possible.
A command center has been established at the Carbonado Fire Station, located at 251 Coal Ave, Carbonado, WA 98323, as the search continues.
