Meridian Star

Local News

Discussion

January 24, 2013

Fifth day yields nothing in search

By Brian Livingston / blivingston@themeridianstar.com The Meridian Star

MERIDIAN —     Exhaustion and a hint of frustration crept into the voice of David Sharp late Wednesday afternoon as he stood on a sandbar on the Chunky River.

    Sharp, executive director of the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency, has been leading the search for 56-year-old Marcus L. Smith who apparently drowned Saturday. Speaking by cell phone from the site of where the main search has been concentrated for the past two days, Sharp said sonar had picked up an image that search crews were optimistic Wednesday would provide some results. But Sharp said they were unsuccessful in finding the body.

    "The image looked promising and at one point during dragging operations we thought we had results but it just didn't happen," said Sharp. "We will come back Thursday (today) and hit this area hard again."

    Sharp said the rain swollen river, which was about nine feet above normal at the time of the accident, was still too swift to get a boat armed with an underwater camera into position for a clear picture of the section of the river downstream from Stuckey Bridge. Sharp called this section "an area of interest" and the focal point of the search.

    Sharp said although the water level has dropped several feet in the last couple of days and a few inches during the course of the day Wednesday, the current, which Sharp guesses was moving at about 5 to 6 mph, was still too fast and unpredictable for the camera crew.

    "Just can't keep the boat stable enough while at the same time trying to lower the camera into a specific target area for a clear picture," said Sharp. "We have to take the safety of the search crews into consideration otherwise we will have another incident on our hands."

    Smith was in a canoe with two other men Saturday when it turned over into the swift, cold waters of the Chunky River near Stuckey Bridge. The two survivors were able to reach the bank but Smith was swept downriver the survivors told authorities. Sharp said searchers recovered the canoe and other items that were in the canoe. The items were scattered among fallen trees and other debris along the river banks.

    Sharp said Lauderdale County volunteer firefighters, LEMA and Newton County Emergency Management Agency personnel, and officers with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are comprising the search crews.

    "We are wrapping up for today because we have a lot of equipment and men to get out of here before it gets too dark," said Sharp late Wednesday afternoon. "And I have to go to the command site and give the family members an update. I just wish I had something better to tell them."

Text Only
Local News
Facebook
Helium debate
Helium
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police "Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide