Coast Guard called in to rescue efforts near Neelyville, Mo.

NEAR NEELYVILLE, Mo. — The U.S. Coast Guard is attempting to rescue approximately 75 people on Coon Island south of Poplar Bluff near Neelyville, Mo.

The guardsmen were able to cross water from a levee that had broken, but cannot get the people back as of 3 p.m. They are considering using helicopters for air evacuations, said Lt. Nick Humphrey of the Missouri State Water Patrol.

Since Tuesday the Coast Guard has helped rescue or remove 175 people from the flooded areas, according to Humphrey.

They are also preparing to send guardsmen to St. Louis because the Meramec River is predicted to crest at 10 foot over flood stage on Saturday.