Emergency crews search Ohio River after distress signal near Shawneetown

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SHAWNEETOWN, Ill. (KBSI) — Multiple emergency crews searched a stretch of the Ohio River on Thursday after a distress signal was received late in the morning.

Authorities say the signal was transmitted from a vessel near Shawneetown shortly before 11 a.m. The U.S. Coast Guard received the call and alerted local rescue agencies.

Union County, Kentucky, Emergency Management Agency Director Lee Baird said the Coast Guard later advised crews to cease operations after no vessel or individuals were located.

Search teams from several southern Illinois and western Kentucky agencies deployed boats and canvassed an estimated 50-mile section of the river. Crews searched areas near the Smithland Dam and the Shawneetown Dam as part of the coordinated response.

Officials confirmed the distress call originated from someone on the water. No additional details have been released.