The Caddo Sheriff’s dive team has recovered the body of a 76-year-old drowning victim in Caddo Lake, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.  

Witnesses alerted the Caddo Sheriff’s Office after noticing a man at the Mooringsport boat launch was missing. A couple, who were out fishing, reported seeing an elderly man launching his boat when it appeared the boat drifted from the dock. The couple later approached the dock to find the elderly man’s shoes, hat and watch on the dock.

The dive team responded and recovered the body of 76-year-old, Buddy Ray Craig of Oil City. Sheriff’s Office diver Frank Edmondson said it appeared Craig’s boat drifted from the dock and Craig removed his belongings and jumped into the lake to retrieve it. Craig’s body was recovered about fifteen feet from the dock.

The drowning is still under investigation by the Caddo Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Bobby Herring at (318) 422-9281