Breaking: Two people missing at Kanopolis Lake

ELLSWORTH COUNTY, Kan. — Emergency crews conducted an extensive search Friday evening at Kanopolis Lake after witnesses reported seeing people struggling in the water when their boat was blown away by wind, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 7:21 p.m. at Kimble Point, according to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard.

Bernard said witnesses reported that several people were swimming near their boat when strong winds pushed the vessel away from them. One person, a 14-year-old female, was found in the lake and brought to shore by someone who was on the lake as well at the time and transported to a local hospital due to complications in the water. 

"They don't believe those who are missing were wearing life vests," Bernard said.

Emergency crews conducted an extensive search of the area following the initial report. They will resume searching for two missing people, a 40-year-old man and a 14-year-old female, whether they are alive or dead in the morning with the help of the Rice County Sheriff's office, Marquette fire, Ellsworth fire, a dive team out of Salina, and the Kansas Game Wardens.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members. The incident remains under investigation.