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CAT Tracks for August 16, 2010
MISSING SWIMMER |
From the KFVS TV Channel 12 Website...
Rescue crews search for missing swimmer on Mississippi River
By Heartland News
CAIRO, IL (KFVS) - A search and rescue operation is underway in Alexander County, IL.
According to Sheriff David Barkett one person is missing after the individual tried to go swimming in the Mississippi River.
It happened near the 21st Street levy. Authorities say the person got into the water and immediately went under.
It's believed the swimmer is from North Carolina.
A second person reportedly tried to save the individual by getting in the water waist high, but the water current was too strong and he had to return to shore.
Stay with Heartland News for the latest on this developing story.
Update - 10:50 pm CT, August 16, 2010 - from the WSIL TV Channel 3 Website...
Crews Search For Missing Swimmer
By: Jeff Stensland
CAIRO -- Officials say they will search until it is too dark, for a swimmer missing since Sunday. The 20-year-old man from Charlotte, NC, went into the Mississippi River in Cairo from the levee near 21st Street around 3:20 p.m. Sunday.
Within minutes, the swimmer was taken under. Cairo Fire Chief John Meyer is heading the search efforts.
"We are thinking he could still be somewhere in this area," Meyer said. "Of course, you see we have a huge eddy on both sides."
Not only is the current extremely strong here, it is also causing several eddies along the river. The counterclockwise flow of the water is apparent from the service, which means the swimmer could be anywhere.
Seven boats are now combing the Mississippi, looking for any sign of the missing man. The problem, Meyer says, is the current is too swift. He says it would help if the river were higher.
"With it being so muddy and murky, it is distorting our readings," Meyer said.
The search began with boats from just Cairo and Olmsted fire departments. Now the Missouri State Water Patrol and Illinois Conservation Police are helping. Both state agencies took to the water Monday morning, equipped with technology the smaller departments don't have.
"They have sonar," Meyer said. "The Coast Guard is here; they have sonar also. We've tried dragging, but we can't drag at this time due to the turbulent waters."
Chief Meyer says crews will continue to search until they find the missing swimmer. His priority right now, he says, is bringing closure to the family.
Officials say the river drops to 82 feet deep near where the swimmer went in, causing the rough waters. Chief John Meyer says the search could take several days because of the conditions.
