Search for Missing Man on Columbia River After Boat Capsizes Now a Recovery Effort

HOOD RIVER, Ore. — A search for a missing man on the Columbia River has shifted to a recovery mission after a fishing boat capsized near the mouth of the White Salmon River on Wednesday.

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office identified the missing man as Michael Shufeldt of Woodland, Wash. His family has requested privacy at this time.

Authorities received a call at 11:39 a.m. Wednesday reporting an overturned fishing boat in the Columbia River, near the White Salmon River. Responding officers arrived within 15 minutes and rescued six people from the water. Two were transported to a hospital, though their conditions remain unknown.

Shufeldt, who was also on the boat, has not been found. According to the sheriff’s office, rapidly worsening weather conditions contributed to the incident, with a large wave hitting the stern and causing the boat to capsize.

Search and rescue efforts continue, with multiple agencies involved in the operation.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.