PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two rafters in their 60s who went missing Friday on the Clackamas River remain missing and are presumed drowned, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said.
Three men were rafting on the river trying to reach Austin Hot Springs when the raft flipped over.
One of the three, a 61-year-old man, was able to get out. He said he searched the area for the other two who were 66- and 67-year-old brothers but he couldn’t find them.
The group’s car was found later on a Forest Service Road. Authorities determined the men were still missing, so Clackamas County Search and Rescue was activated.
The search went on late into Friday night officials said. The high river conditions impeded their search. Authorities said they continued their search on Saturday, once again to no avail.
On Sunday, officials said the search concluded and both men are presumed drowned.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office warned people who want to recreate along the river to be extremely cautious because the river is incredibly high and the currents are fast. They also said that Austin Hot Springs is private property and not open for public use.
