Search Continues for Man After Truck Swept Away by Floodwaters Near Shoals

Authorities are searching for an 82-year-old man who went missing after his truck was carried off a flooded roadway in Martin County.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:42pm

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Authorities are searching for 82-year-old James Petty of Fortville, Indiana, who went missing after his truck was swept off a flooded roadway near Shoals on Monday afternoon. The passenger in the vehicle was able to escape and call 911 for help, but Petty remains unaccounted for as search crews battle swift water conditions to locate him and the vehicle.

Why it matters

Flooding and high water levels pose a serious risk to drivers, especially in rural areas where roads can become quickly inundated. This incident highlights the importance of heeding weather warnings and avoiding flooded roadways, as well as the challenges first responders face in conducting search and rescue operations in dangerous conditions.

The details

According to officials, the incident occurred around 2:37 p.m. on Spout Springs Road just south of Shoals. The truck was carried off the roadway by high water, and the passenger was able to escape through a window and hold onto a nearby tree vine while calling 911. Crews from the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department and the Martin County Sheriff's Department launched a boat and successfully rescued the passenger, but the search for Petty and the vehicle continues using surface searches and sonar equipment.

  • The incident happened around 2:37 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2026.
  • Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

The players

James Petty

An 82-year-old man from Fortville, Indiana, who went missing after his truck was swept away by floodwaters.

Shoals Volunteer Fire Department

A local fire department that assisted in the search and rescue efforts.

Martin County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency that is leading the search for the missing man.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue searching for James Petty and the vehicle using surface searches and sonar equipment as long as weather and water conditions allow.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder to heed weather warnings, avoid flooded roadways, and exercise extreme caution when driving in areas prone to flooding. The challenges faced by first responders in conducting search and rescue operations in dangerous conditions also highlight the importance of public safety preparedness and coordination among local agencies.