RedactedNarrative: Vessel – 1999, 25’ Baja 252 Cabin Motorboat w/1 - 310 HP Mercruiser Inboard Engine
  
  On 08/06/2017, at about 08:00 p.m., this vessel was cruising on the Columbia River near the Columbia Park East Boat Launch, located near Pasco, WA in Franklin county.
  
  According to Law Enforcement, the vessel was traveling West at this location.  The Operator reportedly swerved to miss a log that was floating in the water.  The story changed to a Tan Pontoon Boat, then to a Yamaha Ski Boat that was racing this vessel and Operator had to make a hard to port turn to avoid colliding with the Starboard side of the Yamaha Ski Boat.  
  
  The Yamaha vessel was reportedly traveling on the Portside of this vessel and slowed.  This vessel then began to turn to the portside and the Yamaha Ski Boat sped up and Operator had to turn hard to the starboard to avoid a collision.    
  
  The maneuver caused three male passengers aboard this vessel, who were seated on the rear engine cover, to be thrown from the vessel.  Two of the males surfaced and the third male was reportedly sitting between the other two males prior to the incident.  He did not surface after being thrown from the vessel and is presumed to have drowned.  None of the three males were wearing a PFD.
  
  Officers arrived at the dock to find the Operator standing on the dock drinking a Coors Light Beer.  Operator reportedly stated he began drinking beer after the incident.  
  
  Rescue efforts were launched to locate the missing passenger.  The victim’s body was located/recovered on 08/10/2017.
  
  0 Injuries / 1 Fatality
  Alcohol Involvement Apparent
  No Vessel Damage Reported
  No PFDs were worn by those on board the vessel
  The Operator did have a mandatory Boater Education Card
  
  NOTE:  Violation RCW 79.60.030 – Operation of a vessel in a reckless manner – Operation of a vessel under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana or any drug.  The case has been sent to the Prosecutor for review.  No charges have been filed as of 08/08/2017.  BARD will be updated with any updates as they become available.
  