Monthly Archives: January 2015

Day 26

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01-07-2015…..

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The search continues with volunteers again finding small clues with the video camera and small pieces of organic material pulled from the riverbed. Even with the biting cold wind, rain and sleet coming down periodically, efforts have not waned. Tired faces and bodies trying everyday for the last 26 days is exhausting and still a fierce determination exists in the minds of everyone that show up.

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More ice trenches are dug with chain saws and ice augers in new areas not already checked, widening the area of interest.

Sometimes the older volunteers will talk of frustration at the younger people that show up at the site. Who despite their youth,   show more of an interest in the new technology then laboring to pull the ropes attached to the drag bars underneath. Still… no one is scolded, not a word is said to the kids who are bending their heads over the video monitor. They all know that if they scold or “nunuq” them, they might be hesitant to help again.

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Photos from 01-01-15

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Today ended with the usual prayer of thanksgiving and hope. Efforts will continue tomorrow as they have for the last 26 days. We all wish for other volunteers to come to the site and help with the efforts. The weather is expected to be wetter the next few days, so if you decide to come, please wear rain gear and warm clothing. And be careful when traveling as there is an open spot in the ice in the Kuskokwak slough above Wassilie Alexie’s camp. The rain and sleet will also cause very slick roads, so when rounding corners on the river, slow down….. and be extra cautious as many people will be traveling, visiting family and friends during the Slaviq celebration.

1-6-15 Slaaviq Ice Road Report:*

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L-R Larry & Evon workinging to mark the truck trail in the Johnson River

L-R Larry & Evon working to mark the truck trail in the Johnson River

As of January 6th, conditions for truck travel in the Lower Kuskokwim are good. The River is smooth and with the recent cold days – the ice is thickening. There are well established truck trails from the Johnson River Villages to Tuluksak.

Truck trails have been marked from the Upper End of Church Slough to Akiachak and on up to Akiak and Tuluksak. From Bethel the truck trail is marked to Napaskiak and Napakiak. Below Napakiak there are no markers yet, but a crew is working to mark the road from Nunapitchuk and Kasigluk down the Johnson to the Kuskokwim. They were about halfway done as of the afternoon of January 6th.

Please beware that the weather is supposed to change over the next few days. It’s a good idea to call back Tundra to check their weather before heading down. Shell ice is still a problem on the beaches and bars so stay out on the River ice. Also, even though traveling by truck or car – dress warm, carry things to take care of your vehicle like shovel, oil, anti-freeze, spare tire, etc.

And please don’t let anyone drink and travel.

Safe Traveling & Happy Slaaviq from BSAR.

Thank you.

*Please note that this report is not an advisory that is safe to travel. It is for informational purposes only.

 

Search continues for three weeks….

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01-03-15…

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Mike Riley, BSAR President using underwater camera

For the last three weeks recovery efforts have continued for the two people believed to be under the ice on the Kuskokwak Slough. Today about 20 people at the site arrived to colder temperatures and freezing water hampering efforts in the drag efforts. Ice is rapidly forming in all the trenches and holes made and some had to be reopened with an ice pick. Plans are for more volunteers from several villages to return tomorrow with renewed hope and enthusiasm regardless of the elapsed time.

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Bottom right image details the open hole in the ice upon discovery of missing people. Top left depicts a photo taken 12-29-14. (photos courtesy of Earl Samuelson)

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12-29-14 After the temperatures warmed

01-02-15 Farewell

Keith with BSAR Members (Photo courtesy of Earl Samuelson)

Yesterday on 01-02-2015, Keith Cormican of Bruces Legacy (bruceslegacy.com) left Bethel for his home in Wisconsin after tirelessly working for several days with his sonar.  Keith’s efforts and equipment were greatly appreciated by BSAR and he was presented with traditional Yupik dance fans, a BSAR jacket and a BSAR ball cap. During the entire time Keith was available, he and his equipment was utilized, including on 01-01-15. Many identified clues provided by the sonar were discovered and eliminated. Clues included the river bottom terrain, large dips where debris collects and objects of interest. The Klein sonar was also used upside down to scan the underside of the ice where lots of slush and reflection deterred efforts.

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On 12-29-14, After discovering several inches of water on the Kuskokwim River making for hazardous conditions, Ravn Aviation donated six seats for BSAR members, including Keith to fly from Bethel to Kwethluk. The group then traveled via snowmobile to the search area with members of Kwethluk SAR about five miles away.

This search has physically and mentally tired many, including this author after three weeks of hoping, praying, probing and viewing. We all pray that both remains will be discovered soon so we can close this chapter in an otherwise drawn out endeavor. Please send prayers and hope to the volunteers and family members of the missing people.

All SAR groups in the area of the search would like to see more volunteers assist, those that have been at home waiting for the call to help. We all would like to have our camp site manned by volunteers to make coffee, prepare snacks and help sharpen the tools that have been dull with use. As temperatures cool over the next several days, a hot bowl of soup at camp is always welcome.

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01-03-15 Photo courtesy of Donna Riley