10/28/2026
Proud to support this very tough mission over the weekend. We know when we need help here locally Russell County Search & Rescue will be here. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time.
Over the past four days, Russell County Search and Rescue has been involved in an extensive search and recovery operation following a boating accident on Lake Cumberland.
On Saturday at approximately 11:15 a.m., Russell County Search and Rescue was dispatched for a two-boat collision near Lily Creek Lane. After receiving a cell phone ping from the reporting party, responders were able to determine the incident had occurred near the mouth of Lily Creek.
Crews quickly responded to the scene to assess injuries, provide assistance, and secure the area. A female passenger was transported by boat to a nearby ramp where she was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel and then airlifted by helicopter to a
Level I Trauma Center for advanced medical care.
While some members focused on patient transport, other responders immediately began a hasty search for a missing individual and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Once it became apparent that the operation had transitioned to a recovery mission, Campbellsville Fire & Rescue was requested to assist with advanced sonar and ROV capabilities. Search efforts continued until after dark before being suspended for the evening.
On Sunday, crews from Campbellsville Fire & Rescue and Barren County Search & Rescue continued operations utilizing multiple sonar systems to investigate potential targets.
On Monday, Christian Aid Ministry joined the effort, bringing additional advanced sonar and ROV resources to assist with the search. Operations resumed Tuesday as teams continued scanning efforts while Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife conducted accident reconstruction activities to gain a better understanding of the events that occurred.
During the continuing search efforts, a target identified through sonar imaging was located and confirmed utilizing an ROV.
Following confirmation, the Russell County Coroner's Office was notified and responded to the scene to take custody of the recovered individual.
Russell County Search and Rescue would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all agencies and organizations that assisted throughout this operation:
• Russell County Emergency Management
• Russell County EMS
• Russell County 911 Dispatch
• Russell County Coroner's Office
• Campbellsville Fire & Rescue
• Barren County Search & Rescue
• Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• United States Coast Guard
• Christian Aid Ministry
We would also like to thank the many community members who provided food, drinks, encouragement, and support throughout this difficult operation. Your kindness and generosity were greatly appreciated by all involved.
Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. We ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers during this difficult time.
Russell County Search and Rescue
"Serving our community when we're needed most."