Photo by Mike Brothers
Slick Ramp Claims Vehicles
Campers John and Sara Wilson of Hillsboro were preparing to take friends on a pontoon boat tour of Lake Shelbyville at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. The afternoon of lake fun was spoiled when the Jeep Liberty pulling the pontoon got pulled into the lake at the Bo Wood ramp. Sheriff Chris Sims arrived as the top of the Jeep was still visible and its windshield wipers continued to work. Wilson explained he had lowered the trailer with pontoon down the ramp. He stopped, put on the brake and got out of the Jeep to unhook the pontoon from the boat trailer. Sara alerted John that the Jeep was sliding toward the water. He was able to get inside, but attempts to pull the Jeep away from the algae coated boat ramp were in vain. Shelby County dive team members pictured above: Austin Prichard, Scott Jefson, Mark Shanks and Matt Menis with Moultrie dive team member Amanda Farley in background, prepare to go into the lake to hook up the Jeep for Walker’s Towing Service to pull it out. Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois Department of Conservation closed the ramp for about two hours during the Jeep rescue. Later that night the sheriff’s department returned to the Bo Wood ramp where yet another vehicle fell victim to the algae covering on the concrete ramp. On Saturday night another vehicle incident was reported at the Wilborn Creek boat ramp, and rescue workers returned to the lake. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers noted that stagnant conditions in water levels teamed with warm temperatures increase algae growth. Ramps are inspected daily and treated with algaecides and power washed when needed.
