On 30 July 2013, crews from TVA were working on non-powered electrical lines (new line) that stretched across the Tennessee River from Cow Ford Landing to Independence Tube (river mile marker 297.5). This area of the river is approximately 1 1/4 (1.25) miles wide. At approximately 1440, a line fell unexpectantly into the water. The TVA crew notified the US Coast Guard, who sent out a warning on marine radios. The river was shut down to commercial traffic from the Decatur Rail Road Bridge to Wheeler Lock and Dam. Two TVA boats containing "flag-crews" were operating in the area mentioned above (from Cow Ford Landing to Independence Tube, approximately 1 1/4 mile wide, containing three marked river channels and two boat launch ramps.). The water in this area is deep enough that recreational boats (fishing) can operate from bank to bank without regards to the marked channel. From 1440 until approximately 1730, crews worked on raising the line back up. At approximately 1730, as the line was being raised above the water, a bass boat struck the line from the bow area at approximately 50-70 mph. Initial impact was on the front seat pedestal, then the line struck the passenger above the shoulders in the neck area, almost decapitating him. The line struck the operator above the head, removing his headgear. The line then struck the rear seat pedestal, and then finally struck the "pole anchor" located at the stern of the vessel. No structural damage was visible to the boat hull. The boat, like most fishing and pleasure boats, did not contain a marine radio. operator reported no one was blocking the river, and the line was completely unmarked, with no markings in the water to warn him of the line. An inspection of the area at approximately 1945, revealed no water buoy markings, as well as no markings on the power line. Operator was later instructed by the TVA crew (who contacted 911 by phone) to drive his boat back to Ingalls Harbor. Decatur PD and the Morgan County Coroner met operator at the Harbor and pronounced the passenger deceased at 1810.
Decatur