Dog found safe days after deadly boating accident that killed a father and son

Last week, a boat overturned on the Bogachiel River, sending the four people into the water.

Two people, a 35-year-old adult male and his 7-year-old son, were killed, while another person remains missing. One person was able to save himself by grabbing onto a tree before calling 911, reporting that the other three were still in the water.

According to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, a dog was also aboard the vessel. Five days after the accident on the river, the dog was found.

“A City of Forks resident called dispatch to report finding a dog matching the description of the one lost in the boating accident,” the sheriff’s office reported. “The dog ran to a nearby residence and was safely secured. A firefighter from Fire District 6 recovered the dog and, with help from a volunteer from Forks Friends of Animals, reunited it with the Akers family in Sequim.”

As of Monday, Nov. 3, the search for the missing individual has been suspended. Thirty-two first responders participated in the search, including those with the Fire District #1 Swift Water Rescue Team, the Department of Corrections Inmate Recovery Team, Clallam County Search & Rescue, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Three drones were also deployed to assist with the search.

A father and son aboard the boat were found dead on Oct. 31. The fourth person on the vessel, Alfonso Graham, 39, remains missing.

“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.”

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