The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and local emergency responders continue the search for a missing boater on Douglas Lake after receiving a report Sunday afternoon that an individual had entered the water and did not resurface.
According to witnesses, on Sunday afternoon, at approximately 1:30 p.m., David Simanca Molina, 21, of Knoxville, jumped into the water from a pontoon boat and never resurfaced.
The incident occurred in the Muddy Creek area of Douglas Lake, near Point 7, in approximately 80 feet of water.
In cooperation with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, multiple area rescue squads, and other first responders, TWRA officers have been actively searching the area by boat and with sonar since the initial report. Additionally, specialized teams are utilizing side-scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the ongoing search.
“We are doing everything possible to locate the missing boater and bring closure to the family,” said TWRA Captain George Birdwell. “We’ve been unable to pinpoint an exact location where the victim entered the water and currently have a very large search area. We appreciate the public’s patience and support during this ongoing operation.”
The search will continue as conditions allow. At this time, no additional information is available, but updates will be provided as the situation develops.