Update: Two Adult Passengers Found Dead

Mammoth Cave National Park Public Information Officer Vickie Carson told the Edmonson Voice that at 2:14 pm today, a Green River Ferry Operator radioed Park Law Enforcement when a vehicle became submerged in the river.

According to the ferry operator, the vehicle stopped at the edge of the water and waited for the operator to drop the ferry apron onto the pavement. The operator then motioned the vehicle forward onto the ferry, but the vehicle did not stop nor appear to slow down, exiting the back of the ferry, plunging into the ice cold water. The water level was approximately 11 feet deep at the ferry's operating route.

Rescue personnel try to locate the submerged vehicle earlier today. (MCNP)

Rescue personnel from Edmonson and Barren Counties were still on scene at press time, and dive teams were searching for the driver and possible passengers. The make and model of the vehicle was not released, and it was not known if there were any passengers other than the driver.  One source said the vehicle was possibly a van, but Park Officials did not confirm that. 

UPDATE: The vehicle was located at 4:42 p.m., about 50' downstream from the ferry, submerged in 16 feet of water. Divers attached a tow truck cable to the vehicle to pull it to shore.  The vehicle was pulled from the river at 7:45 p.m.  Two adult occupants were deceased. Release of further information is pending notification of next of kin.

Green River Ferry will open on a delayed schedule on Wednesday morning.

Edmonson Voice Staff