Man disappears in Columbia River, officials 'unable to recover the body'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Authorities are searching for a man who went underwater in the Columbia River near Lemon Island and never resurfaced on Saturday.

Officials say someone called 911 at around 2 p.m. to say a man had jumped off a boat before disappearing in the water while spending time with his friends.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office dive team went on a recovery search near the Gleason Boat Ramp, but ended their attempt around 6:30 p.m.

"The current at the bottom of the Columbia is very strong," Deputy John Plock said. "In situations like this, when we are unable to recover the body, what typically happens is the body of a drowning victim near Government Island surfaces days later, miles down river. Sometimes, as far west as Tomahawk Island. Unfortunately, we are at the point where we will have to wait for that to happen."

The man’s identity has yet to be shared with the public.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.