SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — A search is underway for a missing person after a boat capsized in the San Joaquin River near Lathrop Thursday.
The San Joaquin Sheriff's Office said the boat capsized around 5 a.m. and deputies responded to reports of a missing boater near Loop River Road between Caravel Court and Richardson Road. The sheriff's office said there were two people in the boat when it capsized.
One person made it out of the river but the other person didn't. The sheriff's office said neither person was wearing a life jacket.
"They were night fishing and coming back from night fishing," said sheriff's office spokesman Andres Lopez. "5 a.m., I believe, was still kind of dark a little bit so yeah, definitely everything's a lot more risky at night time."
The search went on for hours Thursday from the air, water and land.
"The Coast Guard had their helicopter out there. We also have what's called a 'SAR Bot.' It's a machine that goes underwater to help locate a missing person," said Lopez. "We also have the assistance of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Dive Team."
The fishers' boat is still missing somewhere in the river and it's unclear exactly how it capsized, but all agencies at the scene are unified under one mission in the search.
"The one goal is to locate the missing person," said Lopez.
According to National Weather Service forecasts, both the current and water height in the area are expected to decrease over the next few days.
With Memorial Day weekend one day away, deputies are asking people to avoid the area if possible and be careful on the fast-flowing and cold local rivers.
"What you see on top of the water — the current, that doesn't necessarily affect what's underneath the water. Under the water, you have currents underneath that can take you under and that's what causes a lot of drownings," said Lopez. "This is usually when everyone goes out on their boat. Our advice is not only to follow the laws with having a life jacket on board for every person on your vessel, but we also recommend that you wear your life jacket."
Watch more on ABC10 | Crews working outside of Stockton to contain a gas leak and secure a ship from sinking
