HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency will pick back up Tuesday in the search for three missing boaters near Pickwick Dam. It was temporarily suspended Monday after the waters became too hazardous for search teams.
The TWRA said the missing 20-foot bass boat was recovered Monday morning on the Tennessee River below the Pickwick Dam near Savannah. The search is expected to resume Tuesday morning.
Crews began the search for the two 15-year-old boys and the 43-year-old man from Obion County who were reported missing Sunday after a weekend fishing tournament on Pickwick Lake. Search efforts are concentrated on the Tennessee River for the missing boaters, TWRA spokeswoman Amy Snider-Spencer said.
Obion County Director of Schools Tim Watkins told news outlets that the three were part of a high school fishing team and had been on the water Saturday for a tournament. He said they were reported missing Sunday night after not returning home.
He said the boat they were in was having engine problems before the start of the tournament and did not leave the dock with the rest of the competitors.
It was thought the three had taken the boat out of the water and left. However, they decided to go ahead and compete.
“We were notified late Sunday that they had not returned home. Authorities were notified and a search has been started,” Watkins said in an email. “I ask everyone to pray that these students and the parent are found safely. I also ask for prayers for their families and the students and staff of Obion County Schools in this time of uncertainty.”