The search continues this morning for presumed drowned victim

CHELAN - Three vessels from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office along with two divers from Chelan County, seven or eight volunteer divers from Steven’s County will head back out this morning at 10 a.m, in an attempt to recover 23-year old Donghoon Lee of Seattle, who is presumed to have drowned yesterday afternoon in a stretch of water across from the Three Fingers. Underwater equipment courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be used in conjunction as well.  

After responding to the call at approximately 3:22 p.m, Chelan County Maritime Deputies learned that a group had rented a boat and were swimming of the back of the boat towards the middle of the lake in about 30-40 feet of water.

While they were swimming, Lee started to experience difficulties in the rough and chilly water. Others of the group attempted to throw him a personal flotation device but were unsuccessful before he went beneath the surface. The group were unable to locate Lee after that.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded with several vessels along with rescue swimmers from Chelan Fire, but were unable to locate Lee. Rescue workers continued to work into the evening, but were unsuccessful in finding the 23-year old male.

According to a media release, Lee was on break from attending the University of Washington on a Student Visa from South Korea. Chelan County Sheriff’s Office staff were able to work with staff from the South Korean Consulate to notify Lee’s family.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is using this time as a reminder to stay educated on water safety in order for everyone to have a safe and healthy summer while visiting Chelan County.

We’ll update the story as more information comes out.

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213