A tugboat collision on the Tennessee River claimed the lives of two fishermen in Colbert County, Alabama. The tragic crash happened near Riverfront Park, where a small fishing boat struck a commercial tugboat.
The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. on a calm evening. As a result, both men on the fishing boat were thrown into the river. One died instantly. Meanwhile, the second man went missing in the dark waters.
Immediately after the crash, emergency crews launched a large search operation. They worked alongside local volunteers, using boats, drones, and sonar tools. Despite the difficult conditions, the teams searched tirelessly through the weekend. Eventually, they recovered the second body on Monday morning.
Authorities identified the victims as 63-year-old William Michael Sandlin and 66-year-old Edison Kim Wallace. Both men were longtime friends and seasoned fishermen.
Later, a close friend of the victims shared his grief in an interview. He had fished with the two men for over 40 years. Surprisingly, he almost joined them that night but had no idea they were going out. According to him, they were always careful on the water.
In response to the tragedy, several agencies took action. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Colbert County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation. Moreover, many local volunteers offered their time and effort to assist.
In a public statement, the sheriff’s office thanked everyone involved. They sent heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. Additionally, they praised the determination and bravery of the volunteers who never gave up.
Currently, the cause of the tugboat collision on the Tennessee River remains unknown. Investigators are still gathering information and reviewing evidence.
Nevertheless, officials used the moment to remind the public about water safety. They stressed the dangers of boating near large commercial vessels. Therefore, they urged everyone to remain cautious while on the water.
This heartbreaking event adds to the list of fatal accidents on local waterways. Sadly, it marks another deadly tugboat collision on the Tennessee River. Although the investigation continues, the community now mourns the loss of two respected men.
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