The body of a 29-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening following an accident where he went missing after falling from an inner tube that was being towed behind a boat on Norris Lake. The incident occurred near Sugar Camp Lane in Sharps Chapel.
The victim, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was riding on an inner tube that was being towed behind a rented pontoon boat that was operated by a single occupant. According to investigators, the victim fell from the inner tube around 1:30 p.m. After a failed rescue attempt, the operator got help from nearby citizens who were also unsuccessful at locating the victim.
Rescue crews from Union Co. and Paulette Rescue Squads were joined by TWRA investigators who utilized a Remote Operated Vehicle to find the victim in 60 feet of water at about 8:05 p.m.
Neither the victim nor the operator were Tennessee residents.
State boating laws require anyone being towed on an inner tube, skis, wakeboard, or similar device to wear a USCG approved and properly fitted life jacket and that there be an observer onboard to watch the person being towed.
The incident remains under investigation by the TWRA.