November 21, 2008
- Yakima, Washington 29
Search Continues for Missing Boater
By Rudabeh Shahbazi
KENNEWICK-- Columbia Dive Rescue and Benton County Sheriff's deputies were out on the water all day Sunday, as the search continued for a boater who went missing after yesterday's accident.
They searched through the night and into Sunday afternoon. The rescue has now transitioned into a recovery effort. Deputies say the 74-year-old man and his wife did nothing wrong. They were apparently legally anchored on the Columbia River enjoying their day, when another boat plowed into them. Authorities say alcohol was a factor. "Any time you are out, involved with alcohol on a boat, it's going to bring on accidents," said Kay Metz, who has been boating for decades and knows the victims. The woman was pulled out of the water and sent to the hospital with serious injuries. Her husband is presumed dead. The Coast Guard and a helicopter aided in the search near the Railroad Bridge. Metz says the victim was an experienced and careful boater. "It just makes you totally sick," he said. "He was a good friend, and he was a Yacht Club member. It's just a very sad day." The driver of the boat and his wife, both 51, were taken to Kennewick General Hospital for their injuries, according to a Sheriff's report. They also had two other passengers in the boat with them, a 41-year-old woman and her 21-year-old son. Those passengers apparently did not need medical attention. The damaged boat was hauled out of the water Sunday afternoon for further investigation. The other boat was already at the impound. |
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