Emergency responders were dispatched to the Burlington riverfront Monday afternoon after reports of a woman jumping into the Mississippi River and drifting into the main channel.
At approximately 2:15pm, the Burlington Fire Department launched a boat in response to the incident. Witnesses indicated the woman was seen floating downstream toward the train bridge as rescue crews mobilized.
In a swift response, law enforcement officers utilized a privately owned boat already in the water to reach the woman more quickly than fire department crews could arrive. However, the situation escalated when the woman refused to get into the boat upon contact.
Officials remained in close proximity to her location, attempting to maintain communication and ensure her safety. The woman’s identity has not yet been released. No injuries have been reported.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.