Boating Accident Leaves Medford Man Dead, Two Hospitalized

Winchester Bay, Oregon– On Thursday, September 5, 2024, a boating accident in Winchester Bay resulted in the death of one person and the hospitalization of two others. At approximately 2:00 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a report of a boating accident, prompting the response of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and local authorities.

Upon arrival, USCG personnel encountered a separate overturned vessel with three individuals in the water. Two of the individuals were rescued by USCG, but a third remained missing.

Authorities later identified the individuals as James McKeane, 63, from Medford; his son, Kenneth McKeane, 36, from Central Point; and a neighbor, Anthony Knight, 35, from Medford. The three had been fishing when a large wave struck their 2020 18’6″ Kingfisher boat while returning to the dock due to worsening weather. The wave overturned the boat, sending all three into the water without life jackets.

James McKeane and Knight were rescued by USCG personnel. Knight was found unconscious, and lifesaving efforts were initiated. Both McKeane and Knight were transported to Lower Umpqua Hospital, where attempts to revive Knight were unsuccessful.

Kenneth McKeane was located later by a USCG helicopter on the North Jetty and was airlifted to North Bend Hospital for treatment.

In addition to the McKeane boat incident, the USCG was also responding to another unrelated boating accident in the area. The individuals involved in the initial accident were located and reported to be uninjured. Further details on that incident have not been released.

Both accidents are currently under investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division in collaboration with the Oregon State Marine Board.

No further information is available at this time.