Update on severe boat crash near Scappoose Bay, Oregon
cmann@countrymedia.net
Updated 9 hrs ago
Scappoose Bay, Oregon
Two men suffered traumatic injuries after their boat was struck by another vessel on the Multnomah Channel near Scappoose Bay Marina. The crash occurred at around 9 a.m. on June 18, according to Columbia River Fire & Rescue Division Chief Eric Smythe.
"It appears there was significant energy exchanged in the collision," Smythe said.
"Both of the victims had multiple injuries," Smythe said. "One was taken by Life Flight, the other by ambulance to area hospitals."
Sgt. Phil Edwards, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, said the crash occurred approximately a half-mile south of Scappoose Bay, and involved a 23-foot Alumaweld guide boat and a smaller 16-foot Smoker Craft fishing boat.
"This was a very traumatic and violent collision," Edwards said.
Edwards said the smaller boat was trolling downriver when the larger boat, which was traveling upriver at the time, struck it. The impact launched the guide boat over the top of the fishing boat, essentially destroying the smaller craft, according to Edwards.
"The events that followed the collision were nothing less than heroic," Edwards said.
The crash left the fishing boat spinning out of control in the water, motor running but unattended, and Edwards said the guide boat operator maneuvered to stop the runaway craft. The guide boat operator then saw the two men in the boat lying on the deck, one appearing to be unconscious and the other in substantial distress.
Edwards said despite the fact the smaller fishing boat was taking on water, the guide boat operator jumped aboard and rescued the injured men, moving them onto the guide boat. He finished putting them on board just as the fishing boat slipped under the surface and then capsized. The guide boat operator carried the men back to the marina for medical attention and transportation to a hospital by helicopter and ambulance.
One of the injured men was reported to have been elevated to stable condition and has spoken with authorities, but the other remains in critical condition. Authorities have not released the identities of the injured men or the guide boat operator, citing the ongoing investigation, and the cause of the crash was not yet determined.
"There were things that could have and should have been done by the operator that may have averted the situation," Edwards said.