Teens Rescued From Steep Washington State River Embankment

ORTING, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say two teenage girls have been rescued from on a steep hillside above a river in Washington state.

Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer says the 15-year-olds were on a sand bar near the fast-moving Carbon River south of Seattle on Thursday. The girls stepped into a deep part of the river and got swept into it. They were able to cross to the other side. But when people didn't hear them calling for help, climbed up what Troyer described as a gigantic, steep embankment.

Troyer says they got trapped up high in some trees and brush, screamed for help, and someone passing by called authorities.

Rescue crews couldn't come down the slope from the top so a swift water rescue team and other emergency personnel crossed the river with rafts and climbed up to them.

The teens were treated for minor injuries and released to their parents.