Clark County, WA. — Official Release: Despite a herculean effort from numerous rescue agencies, a 16-year-old swimmer drowned last night in the Columbia River at Frenchman’s bar.
According to witnesses, the 16 year old was swimming towards a nearby wing dam in the river when he suddenly went underwater and failed to resurface. They estimated he was about 20 yards offshore at the time.
At the same time, Vancouver Fire was called to a two-alarm fire, so resources were stretched thin. The Battalion Chief from Clark County Fire District 6, along with Vancouver Fire Engine 3 and Fireboat 1 self-assigned to the report of a possible drowning.
In addition to those agencies, rescuers from Clark-Cowlitz Fire and Rescue, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Technical Rescue Team, Portland Fire and Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard searched for the missing swimmer. In all, four boats, 7 rescue swimmers, one helicopter and multiple fire engines and squads participated in the search.
Despite their best efforts, by 9 p.m. the situation shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation. The identity of the drowning victim will be released at a later date.
Conditions in the Columbia River at Frenchman’s Bar are known to be treacherous, and authorities urge caution for those who choose to swim there. The current is swift in this section of the river and there is a large drop-off just offshore. Historically there have been a number of drownings in this part of the river.
The Vancouver Police Department, Clark County Fire Department and US Coast Guard responded to search for the missing swimmer. On August 14, 2025, the missing swimmer was found, deceased, by the Multnomah County Dive Team with the Assistance of the Clark County Sherriff’s. The swimmers remains were turned over to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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