More Details Released About Tragic Bogachiel Boating Accident

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CLALLAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

On October 30th, at about 12:07 pm, Deputies responded to a report of a boat turned over. The location, according to GPS data from the 911 call, was south of milepost 4 off of State Route 10 in the Bogachiel River, southwest of Forks, WA. The caller, a 33-year-old Port Orchard resident, had been on the boat when it flipped and was able to stabilize himself by holding onto a tree to call 911. The caller stated there were still two adults and one child in the turbulent water.

A Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy responded quickly and coordinated rescue efforts with the following agencies responding: Fire Districts 1 & 6, Forks Ambulance, La Push Police Department, La Push Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Coast Guard, and the National Park Service.

Deputies learned 35-year-old Christian Akers from Sequim, his 7-year-old son Wyatt Akers, and 39-year-old Alfonso Graham from Port Orchard were still missing and in the water. Rescue personnel located Christian and his son, and despite lifesaving measures, they were declared deceased. Alfonso Graham has not yet been located.

Search efforts continue.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and all first responders to this tragic event extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family during this tragic time. And we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our first responders as they continue to search for Alfonso.