News Law enforcement released the names today of those involved in a capsized boat accident Monday morning that resulted in the apparent drowning death of a 13-year-old near the east end of lady Island in Camas.
Rescued were vessel operator Robert R. Schmalz, 59 of Marysville, Wash., and his son, Eric. R. Schmalz. 34, of Sedro-Wooley, Wash. The 13-year-old stepson of Eric Schmalz remains missing and is presumed drowned. Eric Schmalz was treated for mild exposure on scene and released, while Robert R. Schmalz remains hospitalized at Oregon Health and Science University, but is expected to fully recover.
The incident began at approximately 10:15 a.m., when the vessel, an 18-foot Smokercraft owned and operated by Robert Schmalz, had been anchored near the east end of Lady Island on the Columbia River as the trio had been fishing for sturgeon. When they attempted to pull the anchor up and move to a different location, the anchor became snagged on the bottom and they were unable to retrieve it by hand.
According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Schmalz attempted to use the power of the vessel engine to pull loose the lodged anchor with the anchor line secured to the boat transom. The vessel lost steerage and turned to point downstream. The strong river current and taunt anchor line resulted in pulling the vessel stern under, quickly swamping the boat until it capsized.
All three occupants were thrown into the river. None of them were wearing personal flotation devices although adequate PFDs were reportedly on board.
