PEND OREILLE, ID – A 7-year-old Sandpoint boy died after a houseboat carrying seven people capsized on Lake Pend Oreille Saturday afternoon, according to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

The accident happened around 3:47 p.m. on Aug. 1, when a 1968 houseboat was traveling west out of Johnson Creek into Lake Pend Oreille with three adults and four children aboard. Authorities said the vessel began listing heavily to the left as it encountered rough wind and water conditions.

The operator turned the boat around in an attempt to return to the calmer waters of Johnson Creek, but the vessel capsized, trapping the occupants inside. The operator was able to force open a door and help the passengers escape.

One adult and two children suffered significant injuries in the incident. Responders learned that a 7-year-old boy had been found unconscious and not breathing. CPR was started by those at the scene until personnel from Clark Fork Fire and Clark Fork Ambulance arrived with assistance from a Good Samaritan’s boat.

All seven occupants were taken to the Drift Yard boat launch. The child was then airlifted to Kootenai Health, while four others were transported to Bonner General Hospital by ambulance or private vehicle.

Despite lifesaving efforts, the boy died at the hospital. The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office identified him as William L. Long of Sandpoint. Officials said the remaining occupants were either in stable condition or were treated and released.

The cause of the boating accident remains under investigation.

The sheriff’s office thanked the Idaho State Police, Ponderay Police Department, Idaho Fish and Game, Clark Fork Fire Department, Clark Fork Ambulance, Sam Owen Fire Department, Life Flight, and several Good Samaritans for assisting with the rescue and response.