Capsized Boat Leads to Drowning in Upper Klamath Lake

From Klamath County Sheriff, Chris Kaber

At 8:15am this morning, a tragedy occurred. Klamath County 911 dispatched the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office to the Howard Bay boat ramp located on the east side of Doak Mountain (Highway 140W.) The report was received of a capsized boat with one survivor and a second boat occupant missing.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded with Marine Division deputies as well as the Dive Rescue Unit. The first deputies arrived on scene approximately 15 minutes after the initial call and learned that James Mikesell made it to safety however his father, Vernon Mikesell, was last seen when their boat rolled over in the water.

The capsized boat, a 15’3” tri-hull built in 1968, experienced engine failure after a line fouled the prop. Father and son tried to return to the boat ramp using a trolling motor, but due to windy conditions the boat was uncontrollable and waves overtook it which caused it to capsize. Neither occupant was wearing available lifejackets.

Approximately one hour later, the body of Vernon Lee Mikesell (age 72) was recovered by Klamath County Dive Rescue and remaining family were notified of his unfortunate death.