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• Everett Council Member Dies in Green River Rafting Accident...
  Posted on 5/19/2012
• Teens Rescued After Dragon Boat Capsizes In Lake Washington...
  Posted on 7/26/2011
• One Killed When Boat Capsizes In Puget Sound Near Camano Island...
  Posted on 5/11/2011
• Washington Man Dies In Hydroplaning Race Accident...
  Posted on 4/20/2011
• Two Injured In Boat Accident Under Evergreen Point Floating Bridge...
  Posted on 3/26/2011

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Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC | Washington Legal News

Man Dies After Falling Overboard From Sailboat Near Cathlamet, WA

A father has died after falling overboard while sailing with his three children on the Columbia River near Cathlamet, Washington this past weekend.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 46-year-old Arlie Hoefling was sailing a 65-foor boat “Bad Dog” around Puget Island with his three children, ages 14, 16, and 18, when a gust of wind hit the boat, snapped the captain’s chair he was sitting in, and flung him into the water. His children quickly took down the sails and called for help, but their father soon disappeared from their sight.

Although all three children were wearing life jackets, their father was not. The children reported that their father was probably injured in the boat accident because he did not seem to be kicking or moving after he hit the water. Boat safety advocates stressed that while it is important for children to wear safety vests while boating, it is equally important for adults to also participate in the same safety precautions.

It is unknown how the steering seat in the rear cockpit of the boat broke off during the wind gust or whether owners of the same boat have also experienced a similar safety problem with the seat.

Rescue searchers quickly responded to the boat accident immediately and their efforts continued through Sunday and Monday as the rescue operation turned in to a recovery operation. Finally, a boater spotted the man’s body on Wednesday near Coffee Pot Island. An autopsy will take place this week.

Read More About Man Dies After Falling Overboard From Sailboat Near Cathlamet, WA...

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