Search for Missing Man Continues After Lake Cumberland Boat Collision

Emergency crews are conducting an ongoing search for a missing man following a collision between two recreational fishing boats on Lake Cumberland near Lily Creek in Russell County, Kentucky on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The collision occurred around 11:15 a.m. CST near the mouth of Lily Creek, close to Safe Harbor Jamestown Marina.

One woman sustained severe injuries in the crash and was airlifted by Russell County EMS to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for emergency treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly released. A man from one of the boats remains unaccounted for, prompting active search and recovery operations.

Multiple agencies are participating in the response, including the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (leading the investigation), Russell County Search and Rescue, Russell County EMS, Russell County Emergency Management, and assistance from Barren and Taylor Counties. Search efforts were suspended for the evening on Saturday and resumed at 8 a.m. CST on Sunday, October 25. Authorities have urged all boaters and watercraft operators to avoid the Lily Creek area while rescue teams and dive units operate in the water. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation.