Iowa State University Crew Member Still Missing After Boat Capsizes In ‘Tragic Accident’

An Iowa State University Crew Club member is missing after the boat carrying five students capsized on Little Wall Lake.

The incident took place on Sunday morning while the members were practicing on the water, which is located in the south of Jewell, Iowa, in Hamilton County, USA Today reports.

There were a total of five students on the boat. Three survived (with two swimming to shore and one rescued via kayak) and one body was later recovered, but the fifth individual is still missing.

Divers searched for the missing student until nightfall on Sunday and are expected to resume the search on Monday morning.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s office stated that “out of respect for the students involved, they will not be named until the families can be properly notified.”

Local residents who witnessed the boat capsized sprang into action to help the students, CNN reports.

“We had some heroes in the people who live in the houses here,” Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons said. “There’s some people who took some risks they didn’t have to take and saved some lives.”

Little Wall Lake is 249 acres and has a maximum depth of 13.2 feet. However, Roger Fritz, the former mayor of Roland, Iowa, who lives on the west side of the lake, said most spots range from six to nine feet deep.

Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University, revealed the school would be working to help those affected by the accident.

“The Iowa State community is heartbroken to learn of this tragic accident at Little Wall Lake,” she said in a statement. “At this time, we are focused on providing support to club members, their families, and friends. We ask that everyone keep them in their thoughts during this very difficult time.”

Although high winds were present while the students were on the water, the investigation into what caused the boat to capsize remains ongoing.