Updated 7-17-20 at 11:32 a.m.
CRANE HILL, Ala. – Authorities say the operator of a boat found capsized on Smith Lake near Trident Marina Thursday afternoon is still unaccounted for. The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. Authorities do not know if the man, identified as Dustin New, 26, of Fultondale, made it to shore.
Emergency responders from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division, along with members of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Dive Team and Crane Hill, Logan and Trimble Volunteer Fire Departments were at the scene Thursday, searching the water in a grid for about five hours.
Maurice Reynolds with the Logan Volunteer Fire Department described the capsized vessel as a “work-type pontoon boat,” and said, “It wasn’t that far off the bank where the boat flipped, probably 30 yards, 40 yards at the most.”
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Crane Hill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brandon Williams said ALEA is in charge of the investigation.
Senior Trooper Derek Campbell said ALEA Marine Patrol resumed the search at 10 a.m. Friday, sharing, “ALEA’s Marine Patrol, along with ALEA’s Aviation Unit, have partnered with Logan, Crane Hill and Trimble Volunteer Fire Departments, and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Nothing further is available as the search continues.”
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