Search Continues for Drowning Victim

Date: May 26, 2011
Contact: Caven Clark, Public Information Officer, 870/365-2790

The search for 21 yr-old David Boyd of Newton County is in its second day. Search crews continued at their task until 9:30 last night with no results. Wednesday’s efforts concentrated on river sweeps using a combination of sonar and mechanical means to locate the body. One of the major difficulties yesterday was the high velocity and turbidity which hampered the efforts of the dive team to approach areas likely to have captured the body.

Search efforts began today at 8:45 am. Water conditions today are increasingly favorable with rapidly declining river levels and increased underwater visibility. Sonar and shallow water searches are being made from Blue Hole downstream to Carver, focusing on river banks and downed trees referred to as strainers and sweepers. Containment vehicles are patrolling along the same area in case Mr. Boyd survived and wandered towards one of the roads along the river corridor. The dive teams were recalled at 1 pm today.  

As water conditions improve, the river-based searches continue with representatives from the National Park Service, Arkansas Forestry, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Newton County Sherriff, and other independent volunteers. The Madison County swift water search and rescue team is currently deploying and sniffer dogs have been requested to aid in the effort. Searchers are fatigued and it is hoped that this process will be concluded before long.