What began as a peaceful afternoon on the water ended in a devastating tragedy when a boat capsized, plunging its occupants into icy, unforgiving rapids. Only one made it out alive, and the search for another continues.

Two lives were lost, and one man remains unaccounted for after a fishing boat carrying four people overturned on the Bogachiel River near Forks, Washington, on October 30, 2025. The tragic outing ended in heartbreak for the families of those on board.

A view of the Bogachiel River as seen in a video dated November 6, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@komonews

The group, made up of three adults and one child, had been enjoying a fishing trip when the accident occurred.

At 12:07 p.m., a chilling 911 call came from a 33-year-old man in Port Orchard who had managed to survive the terrifying incident. He clung to a tree for his life and told dispatchers that three others were still trapped in the rushing waters.

A view of the Bogachiel River seen in a video dated November 6, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@komonews

Emergency Crews Rush In, but It’s Too Late for Two

Multiple agencies launched an urgent rescue mission after the call, with first responders from Fire Districts 1 and 6, Forks Ambulance, La Push Police Department, La Push Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service flooding the scene.

A view of the Bogachiel River as seen in a video dated November 6, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@komonews

The lone survivor was later identified as Andrew Graham, who had been fishing with his brother, Alfonso Graham, 39, of Port Orchard; Christian Akers, 35, of Sequim; and Christian’s six-year-old son, Wyatt Akers.

No Life Jackets, No Warning: River Claims Three Victims

Officials revealed the boat had become pinned against a tree and flipped, throwing everyone into the cold, fast-moving water. Authorities confirmed that no one had been wearing a life jacket.

“The boat started to tip, and the water started filling up the boat really quickly,” Andrew’s brother, Axel Graham, shared. “[Andrew] just did the first thing he thought of, which was to grab on the tree branch. He said the entire boat, everything was just out of sight before he realized it, it was just carried downstream very quickly.”

Child Pulled from Water, Father Found with Him, but It Was Too Late

Christian and Wyatt were recovered from the water by emergency responders, but despite intense life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The hunt for Alfonso stretched on for several days before it was paused due to treacherous weather and limited visibility. Officials said the search would resume when conditions improved. Axel, desperate for answers and still hopeful, has continued searching the area alone.

Axel Graham is seen by Bogachiel River in a video dated November 6, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@komonews

“He’s just an amazing guy; he’s worth more effort than has been put into this search,” Axel said. “There’s been no found body, no confirmation of mortality or anything like that [...] It’s hard to explain, but I can sense he’s still alive.”

Community Shattered by Loss of Father and Son

The small town and the families involved were left reeling. Nicole Berry, a close friend of the Akers family, said Christian and Wyatt were inseparable.

“They had matching haircuts, and he was a joy to be around,” Nicole recalled. “He was a little firecracker, a little tank. So it was always fun seeing them coming to school together. They looked like the best of friends — and they were.”

Wyatt had recently joined a homeschool co-op and often spoke lovingly about time with his dad. “Every time you saw them, they were smiling,” Nicole added. “[Wyatt] came to school with lots of stories of fishing and being on the water with his dad, and he was really proud of him in that.”

One Survivor Found Four Days Later: The Family Dog

In a small flicker of hope amid the heartbreak, the Akers’ dog, Turbo, who had been on the boat with them, was found alive four days later by a local resident.

Rescue workers cleaned him up and reunited him with Wyatt’s older brother, Aiden. “He was pretty battered up, but he wanted to make it. He wanted to go back home,” Nicole said.

A Life of Service, a Heart for Nature

Christian Akers grew up on St. Simons Island, graduated from Glynn Academy in 2008, and went on to earn his associate degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He attended Georgia Southern University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he served six years as a nuclear electronics technician.

After leaving the military, Christian focused on environmental work. He joined the Washington Conservation Corps and the AmeriCorps North Olympic Salmon Coalition, where he worked on salmon restoration projects across the region.

He also owned Olympic Peninsula Chrome and Steel, building his career as a professional fishing guide known for his knowledge of local waters and his ability to help others enjoy the experience, whether it was their first trip or their 100th.

He was passionate about the outdoors, loved Georgia Bulldogs football, and took pride in passing that enthusiasm on to others. As a young man, he had been part of Boy Scout Troop 248 at St. Simons United Methodist Church, earning the rank of Life Scout.

Christian is remembered for his strong convictions, steady loyalty, and the care he showed to friends, clients, and colleagues. But above all else, his family came first. He shared his love for nature with his wife, Daylee Joers Akers, and their sons, Wyatt and Aiden.

Together, they spent countless days fishing, hunting, and exploring the woods and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. He was most proud of being a father. Those who knew him said his connection with Wyatt and Aiden was clear in every interaction.

His son, Wyatt, was known for his quick smile, big heart, and energetic personality. He loved playing Pokémon, building with LEGO, and kicking the ball around at soccer practice. His favorite moments were the ones spent exploring with Aiden, his brother and closest companion.

Honoring Their Memory: Support Pours in as Family Plans Tribute

The Akers’ friend, Nicole, organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Daylee and Aiden, which has already raised more than $39,000. “What we’re doing is supporting them and making sure they don’t feel alone,” she said. The fundraiser states that all donations will go toward both immediate and long-term support.

A celebration of life honoring Christian and Wyatt is scheduled for December 6 at the home of Christian’s aunt and uncle, Cindy and Russell Jacobs, on St. Simons Island.

Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to youth outdoor education or conservation causes, a lasting tribute to Christian and Wyatt’s shared love for the wild.