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Alabama Widens Search After Missing Boater’s Jon Boat Found 92 Miles Downriver

Officials urged residents to report sightings to authorities rather than start private searches due to hazardous winter weather.

Overview

  • James R. Dawkins, 54, launched a 12-foot Jon boat with only a trolling motor near Shelton Landing about 5:30 a.m. Jan. 10 and has not been located.
  • The Selma-Dallas County Rescue Squad recovered his boat around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday south of the Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam in Dallas County, roughly 92 miles from the launch site.
  • ALEA said its Marine Patrol and Aviation Unit are continuing operations across a greatly expanded search corridor on the Alabama River.
  • With the search area widened, the unified command post at Cooter’s Pond in Autauga County was deactivated.
  • Parts of Autauga and Elmore counties were under a tornado watch the morning Dawkins launched, though officials have not said whether weather contributed to his disappearance.