FROSTPROOF, FL — A missing boater was located and rescued Wednesday evening, April 29, following a multi-agency response at Lake Arbuckle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Dispatch received the call at approximately 8:48 p.m., reporting that a man had fallen into the water and could not be located by another person on the boat.
Responding units included Battalion 7, Engine 12, Marine 12, Rescue 12, and Drone 1, along with multiple Polk County Sheriff’s Office units, including patrol, Marine Unit, Aviation Unit, and Drone Unit.
Due to the lake’s proximity to the Avon Park Air Force Range, the Sheriff’s Office notified range officials of aerial operations. The range was conducting active training at the time but suspended operations and deployed a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to assist in the search.
The aircraft located the vessel and directed the Sheriff’s Office helicopter to the area. The missing boater was found.
According to Polk County Fire Rescue, the individual swam to shore, where crews made contact. He was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The scene was cleared at approximately 11:09 p.m.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances that led to the boater entering the water. No additional information has been released. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
