A weekend boating trip on the Des Moines River ended in disaster. two people were thrown from a boat near 310th Street in Eddyville, Iowa.
Soon after the incident, emergency crews arrived. They rescued 50-year-old Roseanne Benda from the water. With the help of two citizen boaters, deputies pulled her to safety. However, her companion remained missing.
The man, identified as 47-year-old Waylon Straube of Eddyville, vanished beneath the river’s surface. Because of this, the search for missing boater began immediately.
Throughout the day, multiple agencies joined the effort. For example, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources deployed boats. Likewise, local fire departments from Oskaloosa, Eddyville, and New Sharon assisted. Even Monroe County deputies and Mahaska County emergency teams offered support.
Rescue teams searched the river from 310th Street to Eddyville. Additionally, they used drones to cover wide areas from above. Unfortunately, they found no sign of Straube by nightfall.
Due to darkness, crews suspended the mission Sunday night. Nevertheless, they resumed early Monday morning with renewed urgency.
According to officials, the boat may have hit underwater concrete. This impact likely caused both passengers to fly into the river. Furthermore, authorities confirmed that Straube did not wear a life jacket.
Eyewitnesses also stepped forward. One driver crossing the Bussey Bridge saw the couple on the boat before the accident. Later, he noticed the boat moving without anyone aboard.
Because of this tip, crews focused on the waters beneath the bridge. They believe Straube went overboard in that area.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Russ Van Renterghem offered new details. He explained that the boat had turned around shortly before the crash. Not long after, it began drifting empty.
Despite many hours of searching, crews have not located Straube. However, the search for missing boater remains active and intense.
Officials urge the public to stay alert. If anyone sees anything suspicious in the river, they should contact authorities.
In conclusion, the search for missing boater presses on. Rescue teams remain determined. They hope to bring answers—and peace—to Straube’s family.
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