Search continues for two after Columbia bar capsizing

Published 3:43 pm Saturday, July 13, 2024

ILWACO — A search continued Saturday afternoon in the Pacific Ocean for two people still missing after a 26-foot recreational fishing boat capsized near the Columbia River bar at about 10:30 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard said in a post on Twitter that an air crew from Astoria and a motor lifeboat crew from Cape Disappointment are searching for the missing individuals.

The Coast Guard said five people were onboard the vessel when it capsized.

Two Pacific Salmon Charter fleet boats — The Marr B III and Westwind — were in the area and were able to pull three of the five from the water, according to a preliminary report. They were not able to find the other two, one of whom is a child.

“Had it not been for the experience of those captains and their deckhands the loss would have been much greater,” according to a local observer.

One person who was recovered was unresponsive when transferred to waiting medical personnel, according to the Coast Guard.

This is a breaking news story. We are working to obtain more details and confirm the preliminary information provided here.