OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Olympic National Park rangers continued to search today for the body of Clifford Dopps, 74, who is missing and presumed drowned after a boat capsized Wednesday.
Park rangers are searching a remote section of the park’s wilderness coastline between Shi Shi Beach and Rialto Beach, Barb Maynes, park spokeswoman, said Saturday.
Dopps was in a 22-foot aluminum boat when it capsized near Hand Rock about 10 miles north of La Push and about a mile and a half from shore.
The other person on the boat was rescued from the water and a dog named Rio swam ashore. Authorities did not know the name of the person who was rescued or Dopps’ hometown.
A Port Angeles Coast Guard helicopter crew reported spotting a body from the air Thursday. Rangers hiked into the area where the body had been said to have washed ashore, but a high tide prevented further search at that time.
The boat washed ashore on a remote and rocky section of shoreline near Norwegian Memorial in the park. A life jacket and other items were found nearby, but crews have not been able to locate Dopps’ body, Maynes said.
Eleven ground personnel searched Friday. Seven rangers are assigned to remain along the coastline through the weekend to continue the search.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Mr. Dopps’ family and friends, and we hope that our continuing search efforts are successful,” said Rachel Spector, acting park superintendent.
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Executive Editor Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3530 or at lleach@peninsuladailynews.com.
