PORT ARTHUR — Family members of two men who died in a weekend boating accident have confirmed the identity of the victims to 12News. Sam Elmore, 44, and Trevor Elmore, 18, died after their boat sank in Taylor Bayou Sunday afternoon.
The airboat, which had three male passengers, sank around 4:27 p.m.
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The boat driver was rescued by firefighters and then treated at the scene by EMS. The driver who is not being identified is currently in good condition.
Dive teams worked for an hour-and-a-half trying to find Sam and Trevor Elmore. The bodies of the father and son were found late Sunday.
Game wardens are investigating what caused the boat sink underwater.
Officials didn’t release much information but told 12news the drivers were not wearing life jacket even though there were a few in the boat.
Port Arthur Fire Department Dive crews and the Game Wardens spent about 4 hours trying to pull the boat out from the bottom of Taylors Bayou Monday afternoon.
Sam Elmore’s friend JC Harrington was watching the crews to find out more informationa bout what happened.
“It's very sad it had to end this way for him and his son im pretty devastated about this," said Elmore.
He said he knew Elmore since he was 16-years-old but has not talked to him in a couple years. He said he regrets not speaking with his friend.
“Never take anyone for granted, you know… always reach out to your family and friends and say hello because you never know when they aren't going to be here,” said Harrington.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
