RAPID CITY, S.D. – First responders have located the body of an individual who drowned in Pactola Reservoir.
Authorities were called to the Reservoir at approximately 2:15 p.m., after a call came in of a man reportedly swimming near his boat. Witnesses say he went under water and did not re-surface. He was near the dam face in water over 100 feet deep.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says divers located the body of the man around 9:00 p.m. The victim was located at a depth over 100 feet.
They say it would take several hours, possibly into the early hours of the morning to recover the body.
***THE ABOVE STORY IS AN UPDATE FROM OUR PREVIOUS STORY BELOW***
RAPID CITY, S.D. — First responders in Pennington County are searching for a man who reportedly drowned Wednesday afternoon in Pactola Reservoir.
Around 2:15 p.m., a call came in of a man reportedly swimming near his boat. Witnesses say he went under water and did not re-surface. He was near the dam face in water over 100 feet deep.
Pennington County Search and Rescue, Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue team, Game, Fish & Parks, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, and other agencies are all currently working on this deep-water recovery.
Among the resources being used on scene, include the Game, Fish and Park’s tow-fish sonar, and the “Fisher Finder” – a remotely-operated vehicle which can be helpful in these difficult underwater situations.
The boating public is asked to stay away from the area near the dam and to give first responders plenty of space to work.
