Three People Dead, Dog, After MS Boat Capsizes In 7 Feet Deep Buffalo River Water

Tragedy struck the Wilkinson County, MS., hunting community after three people – two adults and a child – went missing after a pontoon boat capsized in 7 feet deep water near the Buffalo River area in Wilkinson County, Mississippi.

According to the Woodville Police Department, three bodies have been recovered: A man, his sister-in-law, and her son. All were said to be from from West Feliciana Parish. A dog’s body was also found.

The group went missing early Sunday morning. Authorities called them experienced hunters.

According to the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, around 6:30 a.m., a group of four hunters were using two boats: a fishing boat and a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat was being utilized as a duck blind. Authorities say that when the hunters were moving from the fishing boat to the pontoon boat, the pontoon boat capsized. One of the hunters was able to escape and make it to shore, but three remained trapped in the water, including the child. The water is approximately 7 feet deep, and around 49 degrees. The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office led a search and recovery, and crews from Louisiana assisted local law enforcement. The Zachary Fire Department, Woodville Police and Fire, Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries, West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, and the East Side dive team also assisted in the search and recovery. source

The identities of the victims has not yet been released.

This is a developing story.