The Table Rock Central EverStart, which was scheduled to begin Thursday, has been canceled due to a tornado that swept through Kimberling City, Mo. Tuesday night. The Port of Kimberling marina sustained major damage, as can be seen in the accompanying photo from Tournament Fishing Radio in Springfield, Mo. The host hotel, the Kimberling Inn, also took a direct hit.
TFR's Eric Prey told BassFan that several competitors' boats are reportedly at least partially submerged under the ravaged docks at the Kimberling Inn. The docks were pulled off their moorings and the roofs collapsed.
Prey added that only two minor injuries have been reported thus far – an employee at the Kimberling Inn suffered a couple of broken bones while helping to get people to safety, and a female guest staying in one of the condos sustained a broken ankle while climbing out of the debris.
More details and photos are available on the TFR website.
FLW issued the following press release just before 11 a.m. Central today:
KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. (Feb. 29, 2012) – Damage sustained from severe weather in the area has forced the cancellation of the EverStart Series tournament scheduled for March 1-3 and the FLW College Fishing tournament scheduled for March 3 at Table Rock Lake. The severe weather that went through the area yesterday caused damage to the Port of Kimberling Marina and FLW tournament equipment.
“Our number one concern is the safety of our anglers, staff and the community,” said Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations. “The storm that ravaged the area severely damaged the marina and much of the equipment needed to conduct a tournament, so unfortunately we have no choice but to cancel the event at this time.
“There is no reason why this tournament won’t be rescheduled,” Fennel continued. “Right now we are looking at alternative dates but nothing has been decided at this time.”
Anglers were scheduled to take off from Port of Kimberling Marina located at 72 Marina Way in Kimberling City, Mo. Weigh-in was scheduled to take place at the marina on Thursday and Friday and at Walmart located at 18401 State Highway 13 in Branson on Saturday. All activities have been canceled.
