Author Archives: Perry Barr

01-03-15…

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.

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)

12-29-14 After the temperatures warmed

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.

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.

01-03-15 Photo courtesy of Donna Riley

12-29-2014 *****QUICK UPDATE*****

There has not been any body recoveries today. At the end of the search today, BSAR received many inquiries and rumors about remains that were found and recovered. That is not the case, although with the help of everyone who have volunteered, including Keith “the sonar man”, many other clues were found that will help in the recovery effort.

Because of the weather forecast, winds of 40 mph, rain and the several inches of water already on top of the ice, BSAR will not be responding to the Kuskokwak search site on 12-30-14. We will be returning as soon as weather and conditions permit.

To the search volunteers that may be going back to the site, please be very wary of the water and ice conditions on the Kuskokwim, Kwethluk and Kuskokwak waterways as the rain, warmer temperatures, and weather forecast will make conditions dangerous.

A more detailed update will follow……..

The rain fell and wind constantly blew as all the volunteers showed up at the search site today, but that did not deter the enthusiasm and hope that all displayed because of the sonar readings that were found to be so promising yesterday.

Cart which was towing the sonar equipment behind an 8 wheeled BSAR Argo.

The sonar was used extensively today which provided more “hits” or clues where new locations could be explored.

a probe was used to make sure the trench was ice free prior to using the sonar.

The wind still blew and the rain still fell at the end of the day, more clues were found and BSAR and other volunteers felt more hope. The “Sonar Man” Keith Cormican had discovered a new set of clues, new areas of interest, new spots where areas should be checked with the underwater camera and or drag bars.

Tomorrow… even if the the snow is all gone and the ice road to the site is becoming dangerous, hope and belief is still strong. Most everyone who showed up today will be there, at the site dragging, probing, looking, praying, cooking and hoping that today will be the day that we can help the people and the families find peace.

Please come and help us all explore, pray and hopefully find the loved ones whom have been lost.

http://www.ktva.com/new-sonar-equipment-to-be-used-to-find-couple-near-bethel-831/

Keith Cormican presenting prior to departure from Bethel.

Sonar in a box…..

12-27-2014 The morning started with a quick briefing at the BSAR building with Keith Cormican to BSAR members who gave an overview of his sonar’s capabilities and requirements for it’s use at the search site. Upon arrival at the search location, efforts began with the traditional prayer for a safe successful day and hopes for providing closure for the missing family members. Then the day’s tasks began………all trenches previously cut into the ice had to be smoothed on both sides so an  ATV with an attached cart dragging the sonar and equipment could ride without jarring the apparatus. Which could result in shaky readings, “like a video camera” said Keith. Other trenches had to be dug, holes needed to be cleaned, hooks reattached to drag bars, chain saws cleaned and filled with gasoline and many other tasks.

About a 100 people including men, women and kids volunteered at today’s effort. Most were on the ice doing a variety of tasks, some were sharpening the auger blades, ice picks and pulling on rope, dragging the river bottom with the drag bars. Some were at the tents on shore making soups, sandwiches and preparing other snacks. We were also pleased by Representative Bob Herron and his wife’s visit at the site today who both wanted a first person view of all the efforts made thus far.

Early afternoon, after careful preparation, the sonar was utilized and swept a 300 foot trench several times, each time going about the optimum 3-5 miles per hour. After several hours, the preliminary data was quickly viewed as darkness was fast approaching and everyone was preparing to return home.

BSAR members met at the BSAR building and upon arriving in Bethel, a small feast was awaiting,  donated by many wonderful local people. The food was delicious.

Keith then gave a short presentation with the day’s data and BSAR expressed plans for tomorrows efforts. The preliminary findings did disclose some clues which identified areas where specific locations should be checked. Keith will be analyzing the data this evening and will be providing exact locations of interest for tomorrow.

The weather forecast is calling for above freezing temperatures, a southeast wind of 15-25 mph and rain mixed with snow. The tidal action which does effect the area of the site is also expected to rise above three feet. With the totality of weather and tide, expectations are for lots of overflow and low visibility, so departure from Bethel in the morning may be delayed.

12-26-14…..About 70 volunteers showed up today from many of the same communities to include SAR members from Kasigluk at the search site on the Kuskokwak Slough. Many cut more trenches in the 12-18 inch thick ice with chain saws and made more auger holes so the drag bars and poles could be used in new areas. The slush under the ice has been a problem as it would come to the surface of the hole and make dragging the ropes attached to the drag bars difficult. Throughout this entire search, there has been about 4-6 feet of slush built up under the ice, creating a constant problem. So…. many of the volunteers are kept busy by using shovels to clear the areas.

A glove was found two days ago from the bottom of the slough that is believed to be from one of the two people still missing. The glove was brought to family in Akiak who described it as one of the same style and color that was used by one of the missing people.

Trenches in ice, in preparation of Keith Cormican’s arrival tonight with his sonar were also completed today. And after visiting with Keith late into this evening, more trenches are planned for tomorrow along with new areas identified that could be searched. More information about Keith and his non-profit organization can be found at bruceslegacy.com

Keith Cormican addressing BSAR members on 12-26-2014

*****BSAR is very grateful to the Yukon Kuskokwim Fish and Wildlife Service who graciously provided lodging to Cormican and an assistant from Canada.*****

VPSO Sgt. Daniel “Max” Olick is reminding everyone volunteering to be safety conscious when around the holes and trenches and to please sign in upon arrival at the site. Tomorrow, again is expected to be a very busy day with a lot more volunteers and lots of activity, so please check in with SAR Coordinator, Olick for assignments and tasks.

The weather forecast for the Bethel area is expected to be warm temperatures for the next few days with a southeast wind and some snow and rain, so this should help with efforts.

Day 11 started with rain and snow mixed and a new hope for the recovery of those still lost. As about 35 people worked tirelessly around auger holes and new trenches strung along the ice, the feeling was not of despair, but of optimism and a knowledge of traditional beliefs that soon..soon…. both who have been missing will be brought to their families. But also knowing that the belief of wishing for something to intently, may not occur. And realizing if one talks of anything else besides the current mission, success is more likely. All part of a belief long ingrained in cultural understanding.

Day 11 ended without new developments and no new clues….

From All of us at BSAR

The Kwethluk crew surrounding a large hole in the ice today talked of returning on Christmas Day and the need to continue on and of upcoming techniques that they can try. Places they may have missed or of people that may have not searched in specific areas. Talk of the upcoming new techniques with the sonar machine expected to arrive the day after Christmas was discussed with a desire to bring closure. Many also spoke of the volunteers who have been helping and the need for more people to assist to complete the trenches needed for the sonar, and the thankfulness of the food that supporters have been providing.

The Christmas season is here and the celebration of a new beginning is upon us all. We pray for all in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta to be safe as they travel to visit families and friends. We,  the BSAR family wish to remind everyone traveling to always file a travel plan with  friends, relatives and or your local VPSO or law enforcement. We also wish everyone the joys of Christmas, the happiness of families, and the kinship we all share.

http://www.adn.com/article/20141224/high-tech-help-way-crews-seeking-2-missing-kuskokwim-river

Merry Christmas!