Woodland Guide presumed drowned after boat swamps in Columbia at mouth of White Salmon
From the Hood River Sheriff’s Office with additions from CCCNews:
The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 26, 2024 — The search for a missing boater that began at 11:39AM on Wednesday, Sept. 25, has now been characterized as a recovery mission.
Today, at about 2 pm, the fishing boat was located with the assistance of the Skamania County Dive Team. The vessel was located in the Columbia River at a depth of approximately 40’ near the mouth of the White Salmon River. Efforts to recover the boat are ongoing.
The missing boater has been identified as Michael Shufeldt of Woodland, WA. Michael was not located in the vicinity of the vessel and is presumed deceased. Additional searches of the area using an underwater remotely operated vehicle, have not located Michael at this time.
Shufeldt is the owner of Reel Deal Fishing Adventures .
“Michael grew up in Southwest Washington fishing the many rivers that he guides his customers on today,” his website states in a description about him. “Having the local knowledge of the area gives his customers the upper hand to catch fish that day. One thing is for sure, Michael will always meet you with a smile and guide you with a positive attitude. Catching fish is always Michael’s priority, but getting to know you, your family and your friend is very important to him as well.”
On Wednesday, Hood River County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call reporting a capsized boat in the Columbia River near the mouth of the White Salmon River. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office responded with their boat, along with multiple other law enforcement agency boats.
The first law enforcement personnel were on scene within 15 minutes. Six people aboard the capsized vessel were pulled from the water and transported to shore. Of those six, two people were transported to the hospital. A seventh person aboard has not yet been located.
The initial investigation determined the vessel was a 24’ fishing boat that was last seen in the area of the green navigation buoy near the White Salmon inlet.
Although the investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing, information gathered so far indicates the sinking was a result of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. The commercial guide boat capsized after taking a large wave over the stern. Conditions at the time of the accident were treacherous, and preliminary evidence suggests a tragic accident.
Search efforts so far have included assistance from Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Officers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, US Coast Guard, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, and numerous civilian volunteers.
The family has asked for privacy as the deal with the loss. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search efforts, but can now characterize the search as a recovery mission.
