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Last updated on Monday, February 20, 2017
(SEYMOUR) - Indiana Conservation officers are investigating a boat accident that happened Sunday on the White River at the Rockford Dam in Seymour.
Officers were alerted to the accident at 2:08 p.m. after a report of a boat about to go over the dam with two people inside.
Two Jackson County deputies were first to arrive on the scene and quickly went into action.
Deputies Joey Francis and Dustin Steward were able to utilize a throw bag to reach the boat and pull it close enough to shore for the two people to get out. The boat then washed over the dam.
According to Indiana Conservation Officer Robert Klakamp, the two occupants were fishing just above the dam when, for an unknown reason, they lost power to their trolling motor. The subjects then tried to start their main engine, but their efforts were to no avail.
Both had the required life jackets in the boat, but were not wearing them at the time of the incident.
The events that led up to this incident are still under investigation.
Both occupants were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour in good condition and treated for mild hypothermia.
Agencies assisting at the scene were Indiana Conservation Officers, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Brownstown Police Department, Indiana State Police, Seymour Fire Department and Jackson County EMS.
Indiana Conservation Officers would like to encourage everyone to wear their life jackets and always be mindful of the dangers when operating near or around any type of dam in Indiana waters.
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