Search Continues for Three Missing People After Boat Flips on Lake Pepin

What’s the Latest? (ELI5 Style)

Update: Search efforts are still happening on Lake Pepin for three missing people from a boating accident. This information comes from the Wabasha County and Pepin County Sheriffs’ Offices.

Imagine a big lake called Lake Pepin. On Saturday night, a type of boat called a pontoon boat (a flat boat that floats on big tube-like floats, like a floating deck) turned upside down. This happened near a summer camp island called Deer Island YMCA Camp in Wisconsin.

How Did We Find Out?

According to a joint press release (that means both sheriff offices wrote a note together), here is what happened:

• The Pepin County Sheriff’s office got a phone call around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.
• The caller said they heard people screaming for help in Lake Pepin.
• When officers (police from the sheriff) arrived, they saw an overturned pontoon boat just off the shore from the YMCA Camp on Deer Island.

Step-by-Step: What Happened Next?

1. Officers found three survivors (people who made it) clinging to the flipped boat.
2. Those survivors told rescuers that three more people who were on the boat were not found.
3. A large-scale search (a big team effort) started right away.
4. Helpers used:
   • Rescue boats (small water vehicles)
   • Drones (tiny flying robots with cameras)
   • Helicopters (flying machines with spinning blades)
   • Other resources (extra gear and people)
5. As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the search was still going and had not found the missing three.

Who Is In Charge and Who Is Helping?

• The Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office (in Minnesota) confirmed the boating accident on Lake Pepin.
• A representative said agencies (helper groups) from both Minnesota and Wisconsin are responding.
• They could not say exactly how many agencies or people are involved yet.
• The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office (in Wisconsin) first got the call.

Important Things to Know

Important Points:

• The accident happened near the Deer Island YMCA Camp, but no campers or staff were involved.
• Neither Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help with the search. They have trained teams.
• The names of the missing people have not been shared yet.

Summary

A pontoon boat flipped on Lake Pepin near the Wisconsin side’s Deer Island YMCA Camp on Saturday night. Three people held onto the boat and were safe, but three others are missing. Since 10:45 p.m. Saturday, police from Pepin and Wabasha counties (with friends from Minnesota and Wisconsin) have searched using boats, drones, and helicopters. As of Sunday morning, they are still looking. The camp is safe, public help isn’t needed, and names are secret for now. This is a developing story (meaning it will update as we learn more). You can find stories like this in the KTTC apps.

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FAQ (Simple Questions and Answers)

Q1: What is a pontoon boat?
A: It is a boat with a flat platform resting on two or three big floating tubes. It is usually calm and good for groups, not a fast racing boat.

Q2: What does "Sheriff’s Office" mean?
A: A Sheriff is the head of police for a county (a local area). Their office is the team that helps keep that area safe.

Q3: Why are drones and helicopters used?
A: Drones are small flying cameras that can see from above. Helicopters are bigger flying vehicles that can cover large areas quickly to spot people in the water.

Q4: Can I go help search?
A: No. The police said they do not need public help. It is safer to let trained rescuers do the work.

Q5: Will we learn more later?
A: Yes, this is a developing story. Check back for updates, or use the KTTC apps to read more news.