On 6/24/2012, the operator and passengers listed below had planned a carp shooting trip on the Snake River.  The 12' 1980 Shelby fiberglass open motorboat had a 25 hp outboard and was launched at Hood Park. 

According to the operator, the boat was loaded with a 3200 watt generator, 2 batteries, 6 spot lights, the operator and four passengers. During the initial investigation it was noted that both the operator and passenger #1 had the odor of intoxicants on their breath.  At first, passenger #1 indicated he was in control of the vessel and two hours after the incident a BAC of 0.014 was obtained from him.  Approximately 5 hours later, operator admitted to being the operator in control of the vessel, and this was confirmed by passenger #1 in his written statement.  At that time the operator's BAC was 0.000 but he admitted to consuming three, 12 oz beers, with the last one consumed just before the incident occurred.   

The operator stated upon moving forward, downstream from the dock, the bow took on water and quickly sank the vessel. Nobody was wearing a PFD.  The operator stated he had 2 or 3  life jackets on board.  All made it safely to shore except for passenger #4.  It was learned from the survivors that the victim could not swim.  A thorough search for the victim was conducted by vessel, divers, and a SAR-sonar with negative results during the 24 hours after the incident. 

On June 30, 2012, the victim was recovered n the Columbia River, several miles downstream from the mouth of the Snake River.  It was noted that the vessel had the generator strapped down in the middle of the vessel.  No life jackets were recovered from the vessel and none were recovered during the search and rescue efforts after the incident.I

Burbank                       