News Release from: Clark Co. Sheriff's Office
RECREATIONAL VESSEL SINKING OFF LADY ISLAND - ONE MISSING
Posted: May 29th, 2012 9:27 AM
UPDATE 05/29/2012:
Vessel Owner/Operator:
SCHMALZ, Robert R. age 59 of Marysville, Wash.
remains hospitalized at OHSU - expected to fully recover
Adult vessel occupant:
SCHMALZ, Eric R. age 34 of Sedro-Wooley, Wash.
Adult son of Robert Schmalz
treated for mild exposure on scene and released
Juvenile vessel occupant:
male, age 13 - stepson of Eric Schmalz - missing and presumed drowned
Vessel:
1996 18' Smokercraft Sportsman console helm powered with 90 hp jet outboard engine
Clark County Sheriff's Marine deputies continue to investigate this capsizing incident resulting in a missing and presumed drowned person case. Their investigation to date has determined that the vessel, an 18 ft Smokercraft owned and operated by Robert Schmalz had been anchored near the east end of Lady Island on the Columbia River. Robert and his son Eric and Eric's step son, a 13 yoa male, had been fishing for Sturgeon. About 10:15 the trio attempted to pull the anchor up and planned to motor to a different fishing spot. According to the investigation, the anchor became snagged on the bottom and they were unable to retrieve it by hand. Robert Schmalz attempted to use the power of the vessel engine to pull loose the lodged anchor with the anchor line secured to the boat transom. The vessel lost steerage and turned, now pointing downstream, the strong river current and taunt anchor line resulted in pulling the vessel stern under, quickly swamped the boat and it capsized.
All three occupants were thrown into the river. None of the three were wearing personal flotation devices (lifejackets) at the time of the mishap, although adequate PFDs were on board.
The Clark County and Multnomah County Marine Patrol units will conduct a second search of the area today using sonar and high definition echo sounder to attempt to locate the missing teenager. Subsequent SAR efforts will be dependant on river level and conditions This investigation is still on-going although no criminal charges are anticipated at this time.
UPDATE 05/28/2012: The vessel had only three occupants consisting of two adults and one male juvenile (exact age unk) Both adults have been rescued and treated for exposure, The juvenile remains unaccounted for and search efforts are continuing. Information at this time is that the juvenile was NOT wearing a personal flotation device (lifejacket)
Clark County Sheriff's Marine Patrol is investigating a recreational vessel sinking in the Columbia River near the east end of Lady Island in Camas. At approximately 10:15 AM today 911 received a report of a vessel in distress. According to the RP he watched as a small recreational watercraft that had been anchored, become entangled in the anchor line, swamp and overturn tossing four occupants in the water. Two of the subjects were rescued by another recreational boater. Two subjects remain outstanding and missing. Units from USCG boat and helicopter, Portland Fire, MCSO River Patrol, Port of Camas and the Clark County Marine Patrol and SWORD SW Washington Organized Rescue Divers are now on scene actively attempting to locate the two missing occupants.
Lady Island is in Washington State. The investigation into the sinking will be conducted by the Clark County Sheriff's Marine Patrol. Additional details will be released as the search and investigation unfolds.
See attached photo.
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