RAYLAND, Ohio — Emergency responders were called to the Ohio River Thursday afternoon after reports of a vehicle submerged near Rayland Marina with unknown occupants inside.
The Benwood Fire Department Dive Team responded at the request of Jefferson County, dispatching multiple rescue units, boats and seven personnel to the scene.
Upon arrival, crews used a handheld sonar system to locate and assess the submerged vehicle while dive team members prepared for an underwater search.
Divers entered the river and confirmed the vehicle’s make, model and color before determining that no occupants were inside.
The dive team remained on scene while officials evaluated the situation and ultimately decided the vehicle would not be removed from the river at that time.
The Benwood Fire Department thanked the Brilliant Volunteer Fire Department and the Wheeling Fire Department for assisting during the response, noting that cooperation between neighboring agencies played an important role in safely handling the incident.
Authorities have not released additional information about how the vehicle entered the river or who owns it. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
