Today the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s research boat capsized on the Columbia River near Multnomah Falls. The four individuals aboard the vessel were CRITFC technicians. All four were rescued and transported to hospitals for medical attention. We are saddened to report that the individual who was transported to Portland via life-flight did not survive.
This accident serves as a reminder of the constant dangers associated with the Columbia River, even for the most experienced. All four are highly trained and log hundreds of hours on the Columbia River each year. We would like to thank the first responders who were part of the rescue and to those who provided medical attention.
As you can imagine, this is a sad day for the individual’s family, the tribal community, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.