Two people are dead and another remains missing after a boat overturned in the Bogachiel River near Forks on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 30.
Deputies with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office were called around 12:07 p.m. to reports of a capsized boat south of milepost 4 off State Route 110, in a remote stretch of the Bogachiel River southwest of Forks.
A 33-year-old Port Orchard man who had been aboard the vessel was able to grab onto a tree to keep himself stable and call 911, officials said. He told dispatchers that two adults and a child were still trapped in the turbulent water.
Multiple agencies responded, including Clallam County Fire Districts 1 and 6, Forks Ambulance, the La Push Police Department, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service.
Rescuers located two victims — 35-year-old Christian Akers of Sequim and his 7-year-old son, Wyatt Akers — but despite lifesaving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff’s officials said.
The third missing boater, identified as 39-year-old Alfonso Graham of Port Orchard, has not been found. Search operations remain underway.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said all responding agencies “extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic event.”
Additional details about Akers’ life were not immediately available. Loved ones are invited to share a statement, funeral details, and/or photos by emailing michael@pugetpress.com.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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