Area first responders were called to a report of a sinking boat on Lake Red Rock at approximately 6:42 pm yesterday. In a major effort coordinated by the dispatch office of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Emergency Management, Knoxville Fire and Rescue, the Knoxville Rural Fire Department, the Pella Fire Department, Pella Ambulance, Pleasantville Fire and Rescue, the Corp of Engineers, the DNR and Mercy One Helicopter responded as boats were put into the water to rescue two individuals reportedly hanging from the side of a swamped boat. The two individual were William Falcone and Terry Hanneman, both of Newton. Sheriff Ron Goemaat tells KNIA/KRLS News that rescue efforts were successful, and that the individuals involved were examined and released. He says the multiple agencies worked very well together, and is pleased that a successful conclusion was reached. Goemaat adds that the ability of Mercy One to quickly locate the boat in trouble was critical to the success of the rescue effort.
Original Post 6/14/2011 7pm.