The body of the female boater who went missing on Norris Lake yesterday has been recovered.
Friday morning, TWRA wildlife officers utilized a remote operated vehicle to locate the body of Barbara P. Morgan, 73, of Knoxville, just outside the wave break at Rock Harbor development in Claiborne Co. Around noon, TWRA investigators also used the ROV to recover her body from 70 feet of water with assistance from the Claiborne Co. Rescue Squad.
Wildlife officers believe the victim fell overboard from a pontoon boat being operated by the victim’s husband, Paul Richard Morgan, 75, also of Knoxville. Mr. Morgan entered the water and made an unsuccessful rescue attempt when the boat drifted away. He was able to swim to a nearby island where he was picked up by a boat that was passing by. Mr. Morgan was taken to UT Medical Center and treated for hypothermia. He is expected to be released today.
"TWRA offers sincerest prayers and condolences for the victim’s family," officials said. "TWRA would also like to thank the Claiborne Co. Rescue Squad and Claiborne Co. Sheriff’s Office for their assistance."
On Thursday the TWRA said, "Around 7 p.m., a woman went overboard from a pontoon boat occupied by a married couple in their 70s on Norris Lake in the vicinity of Rock Harbor development in Claiborne County.
"The husband entered the water and made an unsuccessful rescue attempt, then he swam to a nearby island where he was picked up by a boat that was passing by.
The man has been taken to UT Medical Center and his wife has not been recovered at this time. The Claiborne County rescue squad recently ended their search efforts for the night.
"Two TWRA investigators have arrived on the scene and are deploying a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) to search for the missing woman."