Search Underway For 2 Missing Boaters In Lake Winnebago

FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WI—The search continues for two missing canoeists in Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac County. A 911 call was received at 8:28 p.m. Monday from one of the missing boaters who was in distress, according to a news release from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office.

The two people were located one mile north of the Fond du Lac River outlet, straight north of Lakeside West. At the time of call, both victims were still in the canoe, however shortly after placing the 911 call they were thrown from the canoe and fell into the water.

Neither victim was wearing a life vest, the sheriff's office said. The caller was able to stay on the phone with 911 for several more minutes before the call disconnected, the sheriff's office said.

After five hours of a search of the lake from land, water, and air, rescuers were unable to locate either of the two boaters.

At the time of Monday's search, weather and lake conditions included south winds of 25mph gusting to 40mph, 42 degree Fahrenheit water temperature, waves of four to five feet, and low Lake Winnebago water levels that caused the rescue boat to strike bottom numerous times throughout the rescue effort.

A search effort from the air was continued on Tuesday morning along with additional vessels and aircraft.

At this time the identities of the victims are not being released, the sheriff's office said.