Last evening, a distress call reached emergency services at approximately 9:18 pm on February 10th, 2024, alerting authorities to a capsized boat situation at Mackie’s Pond in Plymouth Township. According to reports, three individuals were thrown into the water, prompting a swift response from the Plymouth Fire Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon their arrival, responders found two of the boaters safely ashore, albeit one requiring medical attention due to water aspiration.
The whereabouts of the third individual remained unknown, prompting an extensive Search and Rescue operation. Various agencies, including dive teams, a drone team, and aerial support from the Ohio State Patrol, were swiftly mobilized to aid in the search efforts.
Throughout the night, responders navigated challenging conditions, including limited visibility and near-freezing temperatures, as they combed the murky waters of Mackie’s Pond. Utilizing specialized equipment and techniques, search teams worked relentlessly.
As the night progressed, the decision was made to transition from a search to a recovery operation. The search was called off at around 2 am. set to resume at 9 am the following morning. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Special Response Team (OSRT), joined the search with first responders on the second day of the search.
After hours of exhaustive searching, the body of the missing boater was located and recovered. Notification procedures were promptly initiated to inform the family that their loved one had been located and recovered.
Bob Ball, the Richland County Coroner was called in to begin his investigation, afterwards, the young man was taken to a facility for autopsy.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, authorities underscored the importance of safety precautions while boating, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The collaborative efforts of all involved agencies are commended for their professionalism and dedication throughout the operation.
