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Last updated on Monday, June 18, 2018
(MILLTOWN) - Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a drowning incident that happened around 5:45 p.m. Saturday evening in the Blue River near Milltown.
Officers recovered the body of 48-year-old Albert "Neal" Barger, of New Albany, Sunday morning at 10:52 a.m.
Barger, who had little swimming experience, was not wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.
At 5:50 p.m. Saturday, police received a 911 call saying Barer went missing after he and another member of the paddling group capsized their canoe.
Indiana Conservation Officers and other responders arrived on scene and a recovery effort was started around 6 p.m.
Dive efforts and surface searches were unsuccessful and the search was suspended around 11 p.m. Saturday.
The search resumed Sunday morning at 7 a.m., and using two types of side scan sonar, officers were able to pinpoint where the body was located. ICO Public Safety Divers made the recovery.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly urge everyone to always wear a lifejacket when around water, especially if swimming ability and or water conditions are questionable. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided once it becomes available.
Also assisting on scene were units from the Harrison County Sheriff's Department, Milltown Police Department, Milltown Volunteer Fire Department, Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, and the American Red Cross.
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