At 8:03pm Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a possible drowning in the Willamette River near the South Waterfront District. Initial reports were that both a male and female of unknown age had gotten into the river and were attempting to swim across. A boater nearby heard cries for help and responded to the area to provide help. The boater discovered one female and was able to help her into his boat. The other male subject was last seen mid-river but after an extensive search by PF&R boat crews and rescue crafts (jet ski equipped with a rescue board and rescue swimmer) for over 90 minutes, it was determined that the male subject most likely submerged under the 65 degree water. The search is currently being turned over to Multnomah County Dive Team who will be paging divers to respond to the scene.

 

Contact Info: Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, media pgr: 503-940-6003/rich.chatman@portlandoregon.gov