Deputies respond to drowning incident in Columbia River near Lemon Island

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said they were at the scene of a drowning accident in the Columbia River.

Shortly before 2 p.m., rescue crews were dispatched to an area along the river near Lemon Island.

Crews from the Port of Portland, Portland Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard were also deployed.

“We confirm this was a drowning accident. The man fell from a boat that was simply floating. His friends on the boat saw him sink and not resurface,” Deputy John Plock told KATU News.

The victim was not wearing a life jacket and Deputy Plock believes he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office dive team has been activated. Search efforts have so far been unsuccessful.