Two rescued after boat capsizes on Mississippi River

Multiple rescue units responded to a scanner call that a boat had capsized on the Mississippi River close to Elsah about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Fortunately, the two aboard the vessel were brought safely to shore in the end.

The boat capsized close to the shore on the Mississippi River. The boat appeared to be a sailboat, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources told Alton Fire Chief Bernie Sebold at the scene. The boat was also pulled upright a few minutes after the different departments arrived.

One male and one female were involved in the capsized boat situation, Sebold said. Both the male and female were immediately accounted for and assisted when rescue personnel arrived. One floated with a life jacket on and the other floated on top of the capsized boat.

Jersey County was on the scene first, Illinois Department of Natural Resources second, then the Alton Fire Department made it up there third as well as QEM Fire Protection District members. Marine One response was cancelled due to Illinois Department of Natural Resources securing the vessel. The other john boat out there assisting was apparently a Good Samaritan in a boat on the river.

As to how the events unfolded with the capsized boat, Sebold said, "I am not certain at this point."

More like this:

IDNR Awards More Than $669,000 For Illinois Public Boat Access Improvements

May 19, 2026

IDNR, Conservation Police Urge Life Jacket Use And Sober Boating

May 20, 2026

Illinois Monitors Apparent Natural Silver Carp Die-Off in Illinois River

Today

IDNR Awards Grants To 73 Volunteer Fire Departments Across Illinois

Jun 6, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Announces Agency Leadership Transition

Today