Man without life jacket falls into river and vanishes in current, Oregon sheriff says
A man who vanished in the Columbia River after falling out of a boat remains missing, Oregon sheriff’s officials reported.
A 911 call reported the man went overboard and did not resurface on the river near Government Island around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Witnesses told deputies the man was intoxicated and not wearing a life jacket, officials said.
Firefighters searched for the man along with a U.S. Coast Guard boat and helicopter. A sheriff’s dive team also joined the search after he was presumed drowned.
“MCSO divers reported very strong currents near the bottom of the river, which made it likely that the man’s body was washed down river,” deputies said.
The man’s name is being withheld until next of kin are notified, deputies said.
Government Island State Recreation Area is about a 15-mile drive northeast from Portland.
What to know about drowning
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Man without life jacket falls into river and vanishes in current, Oregon sheriff says."