Father and 7-year-old son killed, one missing after boat overturns on Bogachiel River

Two people, an adult male and his 7-year-old son, were killed after a boat overturned on the Bogachiel River.

Another person who was also on the boat remains missing.

At approximately 12 p.m. Oct. 30, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a boat accident near Forks. The individual calling reported that he and three others were aboard a boat when it flipped.

The closest location of the vessel was south of milepost 4 off SR 101, southwest of Forks.

The man who contacted law enforcement was able to save himself by grabbing onto a tree before calling 911, reporting that the other three were still in the water.

“Rescue personnel located 35-year-old Christian Akers of Sequim and his 7-year-old son, Wyatt Akers, but sadly, both were pronounced deceased despite lifesaving efforts,” the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office reported. “39-year-old Alfonso Graham of Port Orchard remains missing, and search efforts are ongoing.”

In addition to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Districts 1 and 6, a Forks ambulance team, the La Push Police Department, the La Push Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service all responded to the call to provide assistance.

“The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the friends and family affected by this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office continued. “We also share a heartfelt thank you to all first responders for their tireless efforts as the search for Mr. Graham continues.”

While unconfirmed as of this reporting, a family dog may have been aboard the vessel alongside the four individuals.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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