HOOD RIVER Ore. – The search for a missing boater that began at 11:39AM yesterday has now been characterized as a recovery mission.
Today, at about 2 pm, the fishing boat was located with the assistance of the Skamania County Dive Team. The vessel was located in the Columbia River at a depth of approximately 40’ near the mouth of the White Salmon River. Efforts to recover the boat are ongoing.
The missing boater has been identified as Michael Shufeldt of Woodland, WA. Michael was not located in the vicinity of the vessel and is presumed deceased. Additional searches of the area using an underwater remotely operated vehicle, have not located Michael at this time.
Although the investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing, information gathered so far indicates the sinking was a result of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. The commercial guide boat capsized after taking a large wave over the stern. Conditions at the time of the accident were treacherous, and preliminary evidence suggests a tragic accident.
Search efforts so far have included assistance from Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Officers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, US Coast Guard, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, and numerous civilian volunteers.
The family has asked for privacy as the deal with the loss. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search efforts, but can now characterize the search as a recovery mission.