Sunday marked the second river rescue in just over a week for Covington County emergency personnel.

Chief Deputy David Anderson said law enforcement was contacted just after 5:30 p.m. Sunday when 26-year-old Roger Pace called 911 to report his friend was still missing after their boat capsized in the Yellow River.

“Mr. Pace said he and his friend, Josh Nelson, had put in at a landing on H&B Road, off Jody Wiggins Road, to float down to Cravey Bridge,” Anderson said. “Pace said the aluminum boat they were in capsized shortly after they left the landing and that he had managed to swim back to shore. Pace had to walk several miles to a phone to call 911.”

Anderson said Pace told dispatchers that the last time he saw Nelson, his 27-year-old friend was holding onto the overturned boat and was floating downstream.

Anderson said Sheriff Dennis Meeks and Sheriff’s Posse Captain – and District 2 Commissioner – Joe Barton were able to launch a boat at the landing and locate Nelson about 400 yards down stream.

“He had made it to land and was waiting in the woods,” Anderson said.

The Alabama Marine Police and Alabama Fresh Water Fisheries officers and Alabama State Troopers officers assisted the Sheriff’s Office.

“Again, we would emphasize that if you were going to be on the lakes and waterways of Covington County, be prepared,” Anderson said.

Last Thursday, three teens were rescued off the Conecuh River after the trio failed to return home after leaving Harts Bridge around 6 that night.