Owensboro man missing after boating accident at Newburgh Dam

September 9, 2018 | 10:24 pm

Updated September 10, 2018 | 10:41 pm

UPDATE: Owensboro man missing Warrick County boating accident has been identified

The man missing after a boating accident at the Newburgh Lock and Dam has been identified as 45-year-old Steven O. Burks from Owensboro, Ky. The man with him at the time of the incident that was rescued from the face of the dam is identified as 48-year-old Paul W. Warrenfeltz also of Owensboro, Ky.

Both families have been notified and have been on the scene as multiple agencies continue to search the Ohio River for Burks. Indiana Conservation Officer, Matthew Clark, said that crews are currently performing area searches at and near the dam, as well as along the banks and along the current.

Side-scan sonar equipment is also being used to attempt to locate items underwater, but the presence of debris (logs, etc.) is making it difficult.

Clark said the water temperature, water level, amount of debris and other factors have to be considered in any rescue or recovery attempt.

“We are actively searching. We hope to bring closure to the family as quickly as possible,” Clark said.

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Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boating accident that resulted in the rescue of an Owensboro man and the disappearance of a second Owensboro man.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Sun. Sept. 9, at the Newburgh Lock and Dam on the Ohio River.

The boat the men were in was pulled into the Newburgh Dam by water current, after the motor of their boat failed to start.  Before the boat submerged, one of the individuals was able to put on a lifejacket and then climb onto a ledge of the dam. According to officers, no abnormalities involving the dam nor the river are being blamed for the incident.

According to Matt Clark of DNR Law Enforcement, the man reported missing was last seen going into the water.

Officers from the Newburgh Police Department and members of the Yankeetown and Newburgh Fire Departments were able to rescue the man by lowering a rope to him and pulling him to safety.

Responding agencies included the Warrick County Sheriff Department, Newburgh Police, Newburgh Fire Department, Henderson City/County Rescue, Henderson City Fire and Indiana Conservation Officers.  

Rescue crews are still searching for the missing boat and boater. Officers and other agencies will resume their search at 7 a.m. Monday morning.

The names of the men are not yet being released.  According to Clark, name releases are expected to be made on Monday, and updates will be shared as new information arises.

 

September 9, 2018 | 10:24 pm

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