Rescue crews pulled a young woman from the Missouri River Monday afternoon after a witness reported seeing her enter the water and then disappear from view.
Emergency crews from both sides of the river launched boats to search for the woman. Sioux City Lieutenant Joe Rodriquez said firefighters located her floating near the middle of the river within about 10 minutes of beginning their search.
Authorities believe the woman may have been in the water for approximately 30 minutes before emergency crews were notified.
Rodriquez said the woman did not appear to be struggling or in immediate danger when rescuers found her. Officials do not know why she entered the river, but she appeared to have gone in for a swim.
Public safety officials strongly discourage swimming in the Missouri River, even during extremely hot weather. Authorities warn that strong currents, undertows and unseen debris beneath the surface can make the river unpredictable and dangerous. Anyone entering the water should take proper safety precautions, including wearing a life jacket.
The woman’s name and age were not immediately released. The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. Monday.
