Boater Rescued Near Copperfield Campground
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OXBOW – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On August 1, 2023, at approximately 6:19 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received several 911 calls about a boat accident near Copperfield Campground in Oxbow, OR.
Upon arrival, deputies located the boat operator, Walter Bryant of Halfway, OR. Bryant was rescued by another boat prior to deputies arriving. Deputies determined that Bryant was going fishing in his pontoon boat when the motor stopped working. As he was attempting to install the trolling motor, the current pushed the boat up against the bridge causing it to lift onto its side. Bryant was unable to reach a life jacket, but bystanders were able to throw him one from the bridge. Another boat arrived and rescued Bryant.
Idaho Power and Baker County Sheriff’s Office are working to secure the boat until the tow company arrives.
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the quick actions of the individuals that retrieved the life jacket and the boaters that rescued Bryant.
