A Sunday outing on the Columbia River turned tragic when a swimmer drowned near Sand Island at the east end of Rooster Rock State Park in the Columbia River Gorge, according to local authorities. After an hours-long, multi-agency search, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office dive team recovered a body that evening. Law enforcement is withholding identifying details while the investigation continues.
As reported by Portland Tribune, a 911 caller said the swimmer went under and did not resurface, prompting deputies and River Patrol units to rush to the scene. Search teams deployed a fixed-wing aircraft, a drone and several watercraft, with Corbett Fire, Gresham Fire and Portland Fire assisting. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office dive team recovered a body at roughly 5:15 p.m., and the person was then transported to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the newspaper.
How Local Crews Mount River Searches
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says its River Patrol Unit, dive team and airborne support are routinely called in for search and recovery missions on the Columbia River, and that successful responses depend on tight coordination with fire agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard. In a June press release, the office urged people to take water-safety precautions, including wearing a properly fitted life vest and never swimming alone, as rising temperatures send more visitors to area rivers. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office also noted the strain on teams that manage roughly 110 miles of waterways.
Why Rooster Rock Can Be Risky
Rooster Rock draws swimmers and windsurfers from across the Portland area with roughly three miles of beach and designated water-sport zones. In its water-safety warning, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office cautioned visitors to “be aware of strong currents, cold water temperatures, and sudden drop-offs common in area rivers,” adding that life vests and checking river conditions before getting in can help prevent tragedies. The park’s official page highlights beaches, a lagoon and seasonal access changes that can affect where people enter the river. Oregon State Parks lists Rooster Rock’s amenities and safety notices.
Officials say they are withholding identifying details, including the victim’s age, while next-of-kin notifications are completed. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video is asked to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office; for non-emergencies, call (503) 823-3333. Initial coverage of the search and recovery was provided by Portland Tribune.
