Updated 3:55 p.m MDT, 7/28/2018
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office reports that a Sheriff’s Office captain and his family were involved in the Friday boat accident on the Yellowstone River east of Livingston.
According to a media release, Captain Jim Anderson’s wife, Angie, died at the scene. Captain Anderson and his daughter were able to make it to shore safely, but their son James is still missing.
According to the Park County Sheriff’s Office, rescuers continue looking for James.
The Sheriff’s Office says on its Facebook page that multiple agencies are assisting with the search, including Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office, Stillwater Sheriff’s Office, Sweetgrass County, Montana Highway Patrol, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the rescue operation involves 6 ground crews with 2 dogs combing the shores, a dive team and 7 boats with 4 dogs searching the river, and two helicopters and drones searching from the air.
Two Bear Air, Gallatin County 911, Gallatin County Emergency Services, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and Salvation Army are also assisting with the effort.
The river between Mayor’s Landing and Sheep Mountain Fishing Access remains closed to assist search efforts and protect the safety of the searchers.
Park County Undersheriff Clay Herbst said authorities were notified around 7 p.m. Friday of a capsized drift boat near the U.S. Highway 89 North Bridge on the Yellowstone River. Search operations were conducted throughout Friday night and into Saturday.
Herbst said James has red hair and was wearing a blue shirt and swimming trunks.
In its statement, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said the following:
"Jim and his family want to thank all of the emergency responders and Search & Rescue volunteers for their efforts in attempting to find James. Sheriff Gootkin stated, ‘Family is everything, it’s why we do what we do and it’s also why it hurts that much more when it’s our family. We hurt for Jim and his family. They have a long, difficult road ahead but they are not alone. We will help and support them no matter what they need or how long it takes.’ A special thanks to Park County Sheriff Scott Hamilton, his Office, and everyone involved in the search for James. We ask that the public not respond to the scene to assist. We have all the help we need at this time."
We will continue to report new information as we receive it.
WEB EXTRA:
Undersheriff Herbst describes the scene and search activity from Friday night:
(first report)
LIVINGSTON – A search is underway Friday night east of Livingston for a missing boater.
Park County Undersheriff Clay Herbst said authorities were notified around 7 p.m. of a capsized drift boat near the U.S. Highway 89 North Bridge on the Yellowstone River.
Five people were reported to have been in the boat, and one teenage male is still missing.
Herbst said the missing teen has red hair and was wearing a blue shirt and swimming trunks.
Park County, Gallatin County and Sweet Grass County Search & Rescue teams are involved in the search using boats, ground crews and K9 teams.
Herbst said night operations will continue with help from Two Bear Air Rescue using infrared technology.
This is a developing story.
