Two Northeast Iowa Men Identified After Fatal Mississippi River Boating Collision

Two northeast Iowa men who drowned following a boating collision with a submerged object on the Mississippi River have been identified as Wayne Ameskamp, 62, of Dyersville, and Michael Donahue, 61, of Bellevue.

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According to the Iowa DNR, the collision occurred at 3 PM on Saturday, October 3rd, on Molo Slough in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River. According to reports Ameskamp, Donahue, and another passenger were aboard a 16-foot fishing boat when the vessel struck a submerged object in the water. The impact ejected all three people from the boat and led to the deaths of Wayne Ameskamp and Donahue. The third passenger, Sharon Ameskamp, 62, of Dyersville, was able to swim to the east shore of Molo Slough, where she was rescued by passing boaters.

Emergency crews and law enforcement agencies responded to the area following the incident. Iowa DNR conservation officers, Dubuque County Sheriff's deputies, the Key West Fire Department, the East Dubuque Fire Department and a Dubuque County Conservation Ranger all assisted with the rescue response.

The Mississippi River can present challenging conditions for boaters, particularly in areas where submerged hazards may not be visible from the surface. This is especially the case after recent heavy rains and higher water levels may have moved additional debris into the waterways. Officials have not released details about the object struck by the fishing boat or what may have caused the collision.

Officials also have not released additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ameskamp and Donahue. The incident remains under investigation by authorities, and more information may be released as it continues. Additionally, the Iowa DNR has not indicated whether any citations or other enforcement actions have been issued in connection with the incident.