Benton County Unveils New Water Rescue Boat

(Benton City, WA) -- It's a boat that can launch in a short amount of time, operate in shallow waters and withstand rough river beds and shorelines. Benton County gave the media a look at it's new water rescue boat Monday morning. Both the Undersheriff John Law and Benton County Fire District 2 Chief Ron Duncan say the watercraft fills a hole that has been critically needed in the county. The boat will serve primarily on the Yakima River, and is built to take hits to it's hull. The boat is also equipped with sound sonar, enabling it to "see" hundreds of feet underwater. The boat was ordered roughly a year and a half ago, and only reached our area a short time ago due to supply chain issues.