Fisherman swept into Columbia River north of Pasco, search ongoing

Search operations are ongoing for a man believed missing in the Columbia River north of Pasco after he was swept away while fishing with friends on July 22. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called around 12:56 p.m. to the vicinity of Ringold Road and Ringold River Road for a report of a drowning in progress. Witnesses reported the man attempted to cross a canal he thought was shallow to reach another fishing spot, lost his footing, and went under; he was wearing chest-high fishing waders. Friends who tried to help also went into the water, but the current pulled him away. Over the past two days, crews used boats, sonar, dive teams, drones, and ground searches along miles of shoreline, with local and regional agencies and volunteers joining. More resources were set to arrive Friday morning; he was last seen in a green camouflage long-sleeve shirt, gray waders with integrated boots, and a red hat.