Possible rescue search underway at Boone County campground

The Boone County Fire Protection District was called to Katfish Katy’s campgrounds Saturday afternoon for reports of someone possibly trapped on an island in the Missouri River.

Firefighters were called to the 8000 block of West Sarr Street in Huntsdale around 2:30 p.m.

Fire officials said a man was camping in the area and family members hadn’t heard from him for a few days, so they called authorities.

The family said the man has camped on Tadpole Island before and is an avid canoeist. They said they knew he’d be out camping but weren’t sure when he was planning on returning.

Emergency responders have located his tent, car and camping supplies, but are still searching for the man.

BCFPD used two boats to search for the man. One boat searched the water and river banks down to Cooper’s Landing. The other had two groups searching the island for the man.

The fire department used GPS and maps to help their search, but they said the island is very large and ultimately they’d be missing a large portion of the area.

Crews tried to utilize Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter but the weather did not allow the helicopter to take off.

The search was officially turned over to the Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office at sunset. The Missouri River is the dividing line between the two counties and the island is technically in Moniteau’s jurisdiction.

A firefighter told ABC 17 News the sheriff’s office is organizing the search because this is a “missing or lost person” case.

BCFPD said they would aid in assistance if the Moniteau authorities asked.

ABC 17 News has crews on scene and will continue to update this story as we learn more.