Divers search for teen in boating accident

By Staff
From staff reports
June 25, 2002
Divers and rescuers were searching this morning in 18 feet of water at Okatibbee Lake in an attempt to find a 16-year-old girl who apparently was thrown from a boat while fishing Monday night.
Emergency workers are hoping for the best, but are being realistic in their expectations.
Clarence Butler is the co-ordinator of the Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency, and was at the scene early today.
Butler declined to provide the names of the victim and the driver of the boat. The incident occurred in a fishing area towards the dam and the marina on the Pine Springs side, he said.
Emergency management personnel received the call at about 8 p.m. The man had gotten back in the boat, but divers could not find the girl and the search was called off at 11 p.m., Butler said.
The search resumed at about 7 a.m., with LEMA Search and Rescue divers being assisted by divers from the Meridian Fire Department, Butler said.