Names Released in Fatal Bellevue, IA Boating Incident

Three men died Sunday morning after their boat capsized in a restricted area of the Mississippi River near Lock and Dam No. 12 in Bellevue, Iowa. The tragedy happened just before 11 AM as the men were fishing in an area marked restricted directly beneath the dam. Preliminary reports indicate the boat was pulled into strong backflow currents created by the dam's operations. The force of the water caused the vessel to capsize.

Credit: Tom Drake

The victims have now been identified as Mitchell Thomson, 30, of Stanwood; Nicholas Thomson, 40, of Tipton; and Kirk Stout Sr., 61, of Marion, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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Anglers fishing farther downriver saw the incident unfold and called 911 at 10:54 AM Emergency crews arrived within minutes and began rescue efforts. According to Jackson County Emergency Management Director Lyn Medinger, one man was pulled from the water by another angler, while emergency responders recovered the other two men.

Lifesaving measures were performed on all three, but sadly, they could not be revived. Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third was transported to MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Iowa DNR is now investigating the incident. While accidents like this are uncommon, officials are reminding the public just how dangerous waters can be near dams. Even experienced boaters may find themselves in life-threatening situations when currents become unpredictable. Officials always emphasize the importance of following boating regulations, particularly near locks and dams where currents are known to be dangerous. Once someone falls in the water near a dam it is likely they will be continually drug back under by the current.