UPDATE Sept. 26:
HOOD RIVER — The search for a missing boater that began at 11:39 a.m. Sept. 25 has now been characterized as a recovery mission.
On Sept. 26 at about 2 p.m., 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-feet near the mouth of the White Salmon River. Efforts to recover the boat are ongoing. Â
The missing boater has been identified as Michael Shufeldt of Woodland, Washington. Shufeldt 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 Shufeldt at this time, said a Hood River County Sheriff's Office press release.
"Although the investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing, information gathered so far indicates the sinking was a result of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions," said the press release. "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," said the press release. "The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search efforts but can now characterize the search as a recovery mission."
(Sept. 26)
HOOD RIVER — Hood River County Sheriff's Office says that the search for a missing boater continues today, Sept. 26, with additional resources assisting.Â
Yesterday, Sept. 25, at about 11:39 a.m., Hood River County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call reporting a capsized boat in the Columbia River near the mouth of the White Salmon River. Hood River County Sheriff’s Office responded with their boat, along with multiple other law enforcement agency boats.
"The first law enforcement personnel were on scene within 15 minutes," said Sergeant Eric Wahler, Hood River County Sheriff's Office, in a press release Sept. 26. "Six people aboard the capsized vessel were pulled from the water and transported to shore. Of those six, two people were transported to the hospital. A seventh person aboard has not yet been located."
The initial investigation determined the vessel was a 24-foot North River fishing boat that was last seen in the area of the green navigation buoy near the White Salmon inlet.
The search and investigation are both ongoing. Out of respect for the families of those aboard, names will not be released at this time, Wahler said.
The initial search included the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Officers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple civilian vessels.  The search was also aided by the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office plane and the US Coast Guard helicopter from the Astoria Station.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
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