Search Continues for Missing Swimmer in Barren River
Bowling Green, Kentucky – First responders from various agencies gathered at Barren River to conduct a water rescue operation late Saturday afternoon. Their efforts focused on locating a man who went missing after swimming in the river. The scene unfolded near the rapids, drawing the attention of the Warren County Technical Rescue Team, the Bowling Green Fire Department, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife authorities, among others.
Timeline of Events
According to Cody Fox, a game warden for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, the incident occurred when witnesses saw a man swimming in the river. Witnesses reported that he submerged and did not come back up, prompting a call for help. As a result, multiple agencies mobilized to search the area.
Boats were launched from the ramp near the base of the pedestrian bridge. Teams spread out downriver, hoping to locate the missing individual. Unfortunately, as darkness fell on both Saturday and Sunday evening, search operations were suspended. On Saturday, the River Street bridge was temporarily closed to facilitate the search efforts.
Agencies Involved
The search was a collaborative effort, involving a number of organizations, including:
- Warren County Emergency Department
- Barren County Rescue
- Bowling Green Fire Department
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Bowling Green Police Department
- Med Center EMS
The Ongoing Search
By Monday, the search for the missing man had entered its third day. Efforts continued to locate him as officials remained hopeful. The search area concentrated on the stretch of the river spanned by bridges at River Street and Kentucky Street, along with the pedestrian bridge.
This latest incident marked the second time in recent months that first responders were called to Barren River for a missing person. Back in September, the body of a 17-year-old boy was recovered two days after he disappeared while swimming with friends in the same area. These incidents have raised concerns over swimming safety in the river.
Weather Conditions
The weather on the days of the rescue was described as cloudy early with some clearing later, with temperatures reaching a high of 58°F. Winds were reported from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph. As night fell, temperatures dropped to a low of 36°F, with winds shifting to a northern direction at 5 to 10 mph. These conditions made the search operationally challenging.
Community Response
The local community has shown great concern for the missing individual, and many have been following the situation closely. Support for the family and friends of the missing man is growing as community members await news of the search efforts.
As the days go by and the search continues, authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution while enjoying water activities. The river can be unpredictable, and safety should always come first.
Final Thoughts
First responders remain committed to locating the missing person, illustrating their dedication to public safety. As search operations persist, updates will be provided, keeping the community informed on any significant developments in this ongoing situation.
