Published: March 25, 2009 08:06 pm      

Search continues for Athens man, grandson

Authorities are continuing their search at Richland-Chambers Lake for a missing Athens man and his grandson after their fishing boat was found floating empty.

The pontoon boat of 72-year-old Jerry King was found drifting Tuesday night on Richland-Chambers Reservoir, near Corsicana. He and 17-year-old Jerrod Rachel were reported missing Monday evening.

Capt. Gary Dugan of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says lifejackets were found on board the boat, still wrapped in plastic. He speculates that one person may have fallen into the water and the other may have jumped in after him.

Dugan said the water temperature was around 55 to 60 degrees.

The two were fishing at the lake, and last made contact with family members about 3 p.m. Monday, said Mike Cox, chief deputy.

Cox said authorities were alerted to the pair's disappearance about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Assisting in the search are sheriff's deputies, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, and the Department of Public Safety.

King is an Athens businessman, owner of King Sand and Gravel in Athens.

— From staff and wire reports