12/14/14 Bethel Search and Rescue (BSAR) today assisted Kwethluk Search and Rescue with recovery efforts of three people who were reported to have fallen into a hole in the Kuskokwak River near Kwethluk. About 60 volunteer SAR members from Bethel, Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak and Kwethluk cut holes in the ice with chain saws, augers and used drag bars with hooks attached to search the area around a 50 by 250 foot hole. About six feet of fresh ice had formed on the edge of the hole since the three people were determined to have fallen in Thursday night. An ATV was found under the ice on Saturday.
Late this afternoon, the remains of one male was discovered under the ice and recovered. The Alaska State Troopers on scene took custody of the remains and made notifications to the family.
The search for the two other missing persons will continue on Monday (12/15/2014) by volunteers from Kwethluk, Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak and Bethel.
VPSO Sgt. Max Olick with Kwethluk Search and Rescue is coordinating the search and can be reached at 757-6629. Donations to Kwethluk SAR are encouraged.
Here is a link to an article in the Alaska Dispatch about today’s recovery efforts written by Lisa Demer who accompanied BSAR to the site: http://www.adn.com/article/20141214/searchers-recover-body-beneath-river-ice-near-bethel
As a reminder… there are still dangerous holes in the ice in rivers and sloughs in the area. Please file a trip plan and be careful. Tell a friend or family member when and where you are traveling.
Panoramic view of the recovery area in Kuskokuak Slough above Kwethluk. In the foreground BSAR members install additional open water markers around this dangerous area. In the background dozens of SAR volunteers from Akiachak, Akiak, Bethel, Kwethluk & Tuluksak work at the under-ice recovery efforts
