Conservation officers respond after storm capsizes one houseboat, swamps another at Lake Cumberland

​FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 26, 2021) – Conservation officers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources responded Monday when a storm in the Lake Cumberland area swamped one houseboat and capsized another around 7 p.m. (CDT).

Only minor injuries were reported.

Six people onboard the houseboat before it capsized near State Dock Marina were wearing life jackets when they were rescued from the water. The other houseboat was positioned near Cemetery Island in the area of Beaver and Otter creeks when it began taking on waves created by the storm, according to preliminary information.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conservation officers were assisted at the scenes by personnel from Marine Assist.

Monday's incident is a reminder that severe weather can develop quickly during the summer months. Always check the latest weather forecast before leaving shore and carefully observe changing weather conditions.

It also reinforces the importance of having a life jacket readily accessible at all times.

For each person onboard a vessel, federal as well as state law requires a Type I, II or III personal flotation device on all boats. Boats 16 feet and over, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry one Type IV throwable PFD. Children younger than 12 must wear a life jacket while in the open part of a boat that is underway. Check to make sure all life jackets are serviceable (no torn material, no missing stuffing, no broken buckles or broken zippers) and properly fit.