From Tribune staff reports
LAUDERDALE COUNTY – A single-vessel marine-related event was reported to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division at approximately 1:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and has resulted in a missing boater, according to Capt. Jeremy J. Burkett of ALEA.
The search continued Saturday morning.
“Randall C. Gibbs, 76, of Hartselle, was last seen at approximately 7:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, on a 2001 Nitro NX750 fishing boat,” Burkett said. “After receiving the report, ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers responded and at approximately 2:30 p.m., located the 2001 Nitro fishing boat.”
Burkett said the vessel was found adrift near the mouth of First Creek on Wheeler Lake in Lauderdale County, however, Gibbs was not onboard.
Joe Wheeler State Park Rangers, the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department, the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the Florence Police Department’s Dive Team, the Killen Volunteer Fire Department along with ALEA’s Aviation Unit are assisting with the search and rescue operation.
Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly.
