A devastating boating accident on the Tennessee River in Decatur County has resulted in one confirmed fatality and two individuals still unaccounted for. The incident, which took place on the evening of Saturday, August 6, has prompted a large-scale search operation involving multiple emergency response teams. According to initial reports, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. when a recreational boat carrying three people collided with a barge on the river.
Early findings from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) suggest that the vessel involved was a Baja boat. The collision happened near mile marker 171 while the barge was navigating downstream. The impact proved deadly, tragically claiming the life of a 57-year-old woman who was among the boat’s occupants. She was pronounced deceased at the scene following the recovery of her body from the water.
The remaining two passengers, a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, are currently missing. Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate the young men, utilizing every available resource to cover the river and surrounding areas. Crews have been navigating challenging conditions in an effort to bring resolution to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
The ongoing search is a collaborative effort involving a number of local and regional agencies. The Decatur County Emergency Management Agency, Rescue Squad, Sheriff’s Department, and EMS have all been deployed, alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol and rescue teams from neighboring counties. Their coordinated response underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to find the missing individuals.
Authorities have confirmed that an active investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials are working to understand how the collision occurred and whether any factors such as visibility, speed, or mechanical issues played a role. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers and holding out hope for the safe recovery of the missing young men.
