Boat Captain Presumed Dead, Vessel Capsized in Oregon River

A boat captain who recently went missing after his vessel capsized in the Oregon River is now presumed dead.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office shared a statement regarding a victim who has been identified as Michael Shufeldt of Woodland, Wash. 

According to the sheriff’s office, “The search for a missing boater that began at 11:39AM yesterday [Wednesday, Sept. 25] has now been characterized as a recovery mission.”

Shufeldt’s boat was found with the assistance of the Skamania County Dive Team around 2 p.m. local time “in the Columbia River at a depth of approximately 40’ near the mouth of the White Salmon River.” Efforts to recover the boat from the water remained ongoing as of Thursday. 

The sheriff’s office added that Shufeldt “was not located in the vicinity of the vessel and is presumed deceased.”

Rescue teams have tried to locate the victim using additional efforts such as underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV), but the searches have been unsuccessful thus far. 

As the investigation continues, authorities believe Shufeldt’s boat may have sank as “a result of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.” 

“The commercial guide boat capsized after taking a large wave over the stern. Conditions at the time of the accident were treacherous, and preliminary evidence suggests a tragic accident,” the statement said. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hood River County Emergency Dispatch Center was first alerted to the incident after receiving a phone call reporting a capsized boat in the Columbia River near the mouth of the White Salmon River at approximately 11:39 a.m. on Wednesday, per the press release. 

Within 15 minutes, law enforcement agents had arrived on the scene and “multiple other law enforcement agency boats” assisted with the search. 

There were seven people onboard, including Shufeldt. Of those seven, two people were transported to the hospital, authorities said, adding that certain details were withheld: “Out of respect for the families of those aboard, names will not be released at this time.”

Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Officers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and multiple civilian vessels aided in the search from day one, per the HRCSO. Additionally, the sheriff’s office airplane and the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from the Astoria Station joined in as well.

On Thursday, before the victim had been identified by the sheriff’s office, Shufeldt friend Josiah Darr shared a Facebook post expressing his grief. 

“There’s not enough good things to say about Michael Shufeldt. He was one of the friendliest, most humble and most enjoyable people I’ve had to pleasure to call my friend,” he began. 

The post contained seven photos of Shufeldt, who was seen smiling while spending time outdoors in all but one of the photos. For the one that he wasn’t in nature, he was in a kitchen holding on to a laughing toddler.

“He absolutely wrecked fish too, but that never seemed as important to him. He was much more likely to be talking about his kids or his wife. Some things just don’t make sense and never will. I love you buddy,” Darr concluded.