Officer saves Kokomo man thrown from a boat

PERU – An Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) was in the right place at the right time Thursday morning, saving the life of a Kokomo man.

Robert Boyd, 76, was rescued in Mississinewa Lake at approximately 10:25 a.m. by Indiana Conservation Officer Hunter Law.

Boyd was operating his watercraft when he was thrown from the vessel. ICO Law, who was on a routine patrol in the area, overheard a boat engine rev up and then quickly turn off. ICO Law quickly located the unoccupied boat in the middle of the lake.

ICO Law discovered Boyd just underneath the surface of the water. Boyd was transported to shore where EMS transported him to Community Howard Regional Health for evaluation.

Boyd was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). A safety lanyard turned off the engine when Boyd was ejected. Without this safety precaution, the boat could have circled Boyd or struck another object.

Conservation Officers urge everyone to wear a PFD and for all boat operators to wear a safety lanyard.

Units on scene assisting Indiana Conservation Officers include Wabash Fire-EMS, Mississinewa Park & Reservoir Staff.