Day 13:
No good news. The search continues for the missing body of Anthony Ray Wesley. 

On May 15th at the Lyle River Peoples Cultural Exchange, there will be an honor song and prayer for all Tribal fishermen and fisherwomen who have lost their lives on the great Columbia River. If you would like to have a loved one remembered at this memorial, you may contact Simon Sampson at (509) 901-1885, or email him at ssam1848@aol.com to submit the name of your friend or family member.

Day 12:
The search efforts continue.

Day 10: 
Efforts continue for the search for Anthony Ray Wesley. Volunteer crews persist in their pursuits to locate the missing man. Simon Sampson says the search will continue until his brother is recovered.

A prayer service will be held on May 9, 2010, Celilo Longhouse, at 9:30 AM
Mr. Davis Washines will conduct a prayer service on Sunday.  All family and friends are welcome to attend and support Anthony Wesley and his family.  If you need more information, you can call Simon at 509-901-1885.

May 6, 2010 status report on search for missing Yakama fisherman
More than 8 Tribal fishing boats and 3 ground crews of approximately 45 rescue workers continue their search for the lost fisherman whose boat was capsized on April 30, 2010, near Wishram, Washington. Volunteers who are participating in the search include those from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Quinault Indian Nation, Columbia Intertribal Fish Commission, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. 

The missing Yakama fisherman is Anthony Ray Wesley. Mr. Wesley’s brother, Simon Sampson, expresses his gratitude to all those who are contributing to the search. There are continuous support services being offered at the Celilo Longhouse, where the crews are prepared three meals a day. 

If you would like to make a contribution to these efforts, you may do so by contacting Simon Sampson at (509) 901-1885, or email him at ssam1848@aol.com

Please continue to remember Simon, his family and the supporting community and search teams in your thoughts and prayers.

Background Information:
On Friday, April 30, 2010, two Yakama tribal fishermen died when their fishing boat capsized in high winds and heavy swells on the Columbia River, a third fisherman is presumed to have drowned, and the fourth fisherman was rescued suffering minor hypothermia. Steady winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 mph on April 30th created waves of six to eight feet, according to a search coordinator with the U.S. Coast Guard in Portland, which provided a helicopter that searched for the missing fisherman without success for two hours. Conditions were so rough that search boats were unable to get on the river. The 18-foot boat carrying the four fishermen capsized about 7:45 a.m. in an area off Wishram, Washington, a small community about 18 miles east of Lyle, Washington.

The following day, May 1st, the bodies of Jessica Lewis, 29, of Wapato and Wilson LaRoque, 57, of Toppenish were recovered from the river. Wilson LaRoque, a long-time fisherman, was highly regarded by the Native community.  Jessica Lewis was an active member of the Yakama. She enjoyed traditional Native activities such as picking berries, traditional dancing, fishing and sewing. She was known to be an accomplished drawer. The third fisherman, identified as Johnny Jack, about 25 years old, suffered minor hypothermia. He was able to swim to shore.