The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded to Klamath Lake at HWY 140 W MP57 at 8:15 am Sunday to the report of a capsized boat with one male subject out of the water and a second male subject still in the water and missing.
Reports say that the first deputies arrived on scene approximately 15 minutes after the initial call.
The capsized boat, a 15’3” tri-hull built in 1968, experienced engine failure after a line fouled the prop. Father and son tried to return to the boat ramp using a trolling motor, but due to windy conditions the boat was uncontrollable and waves overtook it which caused it to capsize. Neither occupant was wearing available lifejackets.
Approximately one hour later, the body of Vernon Lee Mikesell, Klamath Falls (age 72) was recovered by Klamath County Dive Rescue
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded with Marine Division deputies as well as the Dive Rescue Unit.
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