RICHMOND, Va. — First responders are continuing their search for two women who went missing after their group of 12 people floated over the Bosher Dam on the James River Monday afternoon.
Henrico Police have identified the missing women as 23-year-old Lauren E. Winstead of Henrico and 28-year-old Sarah E. Erway of Chesterfield.
Sources said the group launched from Watkins Landing in Powhatan around 1 p.m. They tried to hit the shore at Robious Landing in Chesterfield but the currents were too strong and swept the group towards the dam.
First responders said they were able to rescue nine of the individuals and one person was able to get out of the water on their own. But two women remain missing.
Crews resumed their search for the women on Tuesday at 7 a.m. First responders from Henrico and Chesterfield are assisting Richmond with the search.
Richmond Fire could not confirm to CBS 6 if the missing women were wearing life jackets.
River levels were above nine feet Monday due to recent rains. Due to the high levels, people are not supposed to be on the river without a permit or life jacket.
The high water is also making it hard for crews to search the river.
Anyone with information can call Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000.
Crews have come in for a break after being out on boat this morning searching for Lauren Winstead and Sarah Erway. @HenricoPolice is urging anyone out on the James River to use extreme caution and wear a life jacket, as water levels are above 8 feet. @CBS6 pic.twitter.com/Qw6dY85wZy
— Caroline Coleburn (@CColeburnTV) May 31, 2022
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
