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.
