MARTINEZ, Calif. — At approximately 11:30 a.m. on April 19, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol units were dispatched to a solo vessel collision, with one occupant of the vessel reported to be unaccounted for.
The victim was identified as 40-year-old Todd Mitsuharu Iwamoto of Mountain House. The cause of death was blunt-force injuries. The pilot suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Both men were wearing life jackets, according to the sheriff’s office.
Iwamoto and the driver of the boat were taking part in a fishing tournament when the vessel apparently struck a rail crossing support in Old River.
Marine Patrol deputy sheriffs, the U.S. Coast Guard, East County Fire and San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office all responded to this incident. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol and USCG provided air support to help in the search for the missing boater.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded and ultimately located the victim at about 5:15 p.m. in Old River at the rail crossing, in close proximity to where the collision occurred. The victim was pronounced deceased.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. A preliminary investigation indicates the vessel may have hit an object in the water before striking the rail crossing.