Beech Grove Fire Chief Jamie Gunter said late Sunday that two duck hunters from the Houston Area were safe and sound following a perilous situation on nearby Dam B between Jasper and Woodville.
According to Gunter, the series of events began shortly before 3:00 on Sunday afternoon when he and others were notified that the boat the men were in had ran aground on the west side of the lake.
Gunter said he and others from the Beech Grove Fire Department soon arrived at the scene but later determined that the department's shallow water boat lacked the horsepower and control to pull the duck hunters' boat from the mud.
The members of the Jasper County Emergency Corps were called to the scene and soon arrived with a larger, more powerful boat to assist and within a short time the duck hunters and their craft had been pulled free after hours of being stranded.
The Jasper County Emergency Corps is possibly the oldest continuing operating rescue unit on the lake. Formed in the late 1970's by then Jasper County Sheriff Aubrey Cole and his friend, Charles James, the group continues to operate to this day under the direction of the Jasper County Sheriff's Department.
The volunteer group is headed by Billy Williford, who has served as president for over 30 years.
Ironically, the hunters said they attempted to contact several firms in the Lakes Area that have advertised boat recovery and towing services. However, the men said they could not get anyone to answer or respond.
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