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.
