Louisville, Kentucky, November 30, 2025
Louisville Metro Police’s River Unit discovered a submerged vehicle in the Ohio River near Joe’s Crab Shack following reports of its entry into the water. The search for the driver, who remains missing, is ongoing amidst challenging conditions. Emergency crews initiated efforts after a tugboat operator alerted authorities. The River Patrol Unit is leading the efforts and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Louisville, Kentucky: Car Located in Ohio River; Search for Driver Ongoing
LOUISVILLE, KY – On Saturday evening, November 29, 2025, Louisville Metro Police’s River Unit located a car in the Ohio River near Joe’s Crab Shack after reports of it entering the water. The search for the driver continues.
Incident Details
At approximately 7:30 p.m., police responded to a call from a tugboat operator who reported seeing a car drive off the waterfront near Joe’s Crab Shack into the river. Emergency crews, including Louisville Fire Department boats, initiated a search of the area. River traffic was temporarily halted during the operation but has since resumed. By 9 p.m., crews located the submerged vehicle but did not find the driver inside. Due to the swift currents, the search was suspended and is scheduled to resume Sunday morning to continue the search for the missing individual.
Search Operations
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s River Patrol Unit, which provides waterborne services on the Ohio River and its tributaries, is leading the search efforts. The unit conducts regular safety inspections and responds to incidents on the river. The current search is being conducted in challenging conditions due to the river’s fast currents, which have previously impacted recovery operations. For instance, in March 2023, dangerous water levels prevented crews from recovering a vehicle until conditions improved.
Background Information
Incidents involving vehicles entering the Ohio River are not uncommon in the Louisville area. In June 2018, a man drove his car into the river at the Cox Park Boat Ramp, leading to a search that resulted in the recovery of both the vehicle and the driver’s body. Such events highlight the importance of the River Patrol Unit’s role in ensuring safety on the waterways.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Louisville Metro Police Department’s River Patrol Unit at 502-574-4105.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened on November 29, 2025, in Louisville?
On that evening, Louisville Metro Police’s River Unit located a car in the Ohio River near Joe’s Crab Shack after reports of it entering the water. The search for the driver is ongoing.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place near Joe’s Crab Shack in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
What is the River Patrol Unit?
The River Patrol Unit is part of the Louisville Metro Police Department, providing waterborne services on the Ohio River and its tributaries. They conduct safety inspections and respond to incidents on the water.
Have similar incidents occurred before?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred in the past. For example, in June 2018, a man drove his car into the Ohio River at the Cox Park Boat Ramp, leading to a search that resulted in the recovery of both the vehicle and the driver’s body.
How can I assist with the investigation?
If you have any information about the incident, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department’s River Patrol Unit at 502-574-4105.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Joe’s Crab Shack, downtown Louisville, Kentucky |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 7:30 p.m., November 29, 2025 |
| Response Teams | Louisville Metro Police’s River Unit, Louisville Fire Department |
| Current Status | Vehicle located; search for driver ongoing |
| Contact Information | Louisville Metro Police Department’s River Patrol Unit at 502-574-4105 |
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