Dive Team Out Overnight; No One in Stranded Vehicle

The Effingham County Dive Rescue Team was out overnight Thursday night and Friday morning when a car was spotted stranded in flood waters, but no one was found in the vehicle.

Dive Team Commander Terry Trueblood said the car was spotted by a passerby just before midnight Thursday night from US Route 45 at 400th Avenue in the south part of the county. Trueblood said the car's engine was running, the lights were on and the windows were open.

The area was searched, but no one was found. Dive Team members located the registration in the vehicle and contacted the owners who indicated they were all safe.

Trueblood said the problem was that rescuers didn't know the situation and time and resources were utilized searching for people who didn't need rescued. He asked that if you end up in a similar situation to notify authorities that those involved are alright.

Crews cleared the area about 1:30am Friday.