A man is feared drowned after falling into the Columbia River near Lemon Island while boating on Saturday, as reported by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The MCSO deputies were dispatched to the scene after a 911 call came in just before 2 p.m., signaling a man had fallen from a boat into the river and hadn't surfaced, according to KPTV. Recovery efforts extended through to dusk with aid from multiple agencies, including Portland Fire, Port of Portland, Vancouver Fire, and the US Coast Guard.
In a statement obtained by KATU News, Deputy John Plock disclosed that the victim was not wearing a life jacket and it is believed that intoxication played a role in the accident, having seen falling off a drifting boat by friends who then witnessed him go under the water without resurfacing. The investigation and search were compounded by the river's strong undercurrents, making the recovery of the body challenging.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has cautioned that the Columbia River’s undertow is particularly forceful, which can carry drowning victims several miles downstream. "In situations like this, when we are unable to recover the body, what typically happens is the body of a drowning victim near Government Island surfaces days later, miles down river. Sometimes, as far west as Tomahawk Island. Unfortunately, we are at the point where we will have to wait for that to happen," Deputy Plock told KOIN. The search was ceased near the Gleason Boat Ramp around 6:30 p.m. when no recovery was made.
While the man's identity remains to be officially disclosed, the tragic incident serves as a grave reminder emphasized by Deputy Plock, who mentioned in an interview with the participating fire and dive teams, "We understand that adults want to be on the boat and not wear a life jacket, but the fact of the matter is if this man had a life jacket on, he most likely would not have drowned," as reported by KPTV. Authorities continue to implore boaters to wear life jackets and avoid alcohol consumption while on the water to prevent such tragedies.
