(Depauw/Milltown) Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a drowning incident that happened around 5:45 p.m. yesterday evening near Milltown.
Recovery of the victim, Albert “Neal†Barger, 48, of New Albany was made this morning at 10:52 a.m. Barger, who had little swimming experience, was not wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.
At 5:50 p.m. yesterday, a 911 call was placed advising that the victim went missing after he and another member of the paddling group capsized their canoe. Indiana Conservation Officers and other responders arrived on scene and a recovery effort was started around 6:00 p.m. Dive efforts and surface searches were unsuccessful and suspended around 11:00 p.m. Saturday.
The search resumed this morning at 7:00 a.m., and using two types of side scan sonar, officers were able to pinpoint the victim’s location. ICO Public Safety Divers made the recovery.
Also assisting on scene were units from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Milltown Police Department, Milltown Volunteer Fire Department, Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, and the American Red Cross.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly urge everyone to always wear a lifejacket when around water, especially if swimming ability and or water conditions are questionable. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided once it becomes available.
