Report: Boat used to recover body was over capacity prior to capsizing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Members of the Lexington Fire Department held a press conference Thursday to address an accident that occurred while crews were recovering a body from Raven Run Nature Sanctuary back in March.

According to a report filed with Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, rescuers used two boats in their effort to recover the body of Mary Katharine Steward, who died of injuries sustained after falling from an overlook.

The report says during the process of recovering the body, one of the boats was overloaded beyond its maximum capacity, making the boat ride very low in the water.  While working the scene, the second boat passed by, and the wake caused the first boat to take on water and, ultimately, sink along with equipment, rescue crews, and the body.  All were eventually recovered, though Stewart’s body was not recovered until the evening.

Assistant Fire Chief Harold Hoskins said at the press conference today that, “We have already decided to make several changes as a result of our own internal review, principally, improved training, notification, safety procedures, and equipment.  Those changes are in progress.  We will review the state’s report to determine if additional steps are necessary.”