Disabled houseboat rescued near Crab Orchard Lake spillway

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARTERVILLE, Ill. (KBSI) — A disabled houseboat and its occupants are safe after the vessel was at risk of going over the spillway at Crab Orchard Lake.

The Carterville Fire Department responded Friday, Aug. 28, to a report of the disabled boat near the spillway.

Fire officials said the lake’s current water level prevented the houseboat from going over. Crews contacted the operator and confirmed no one was injured.

The Herrin Fire Department and Lake Egypt Fire Protection District provided rescue boats to help get the disabled houseboat back to the marina. Carterville’s rescue boat was temporarily out of service for routine maintenance at the time.

Carterville fire officials said their rescue boat has since returned to service.

With Labor Day weekend approaching, officials are reminding boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets, monitor changing weather and water conditions and make sure boats and safety equipment are working properly before heading onto the water.