Search Underway for Three People Missing in the Colorado
View from the Black Bridge across the Boat Beach toward the Silver Bridge (photo: Brian Lane)
Three individuals who were reported to have jumped into the Colorado River at about 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 30th, 2009, have yet to be found. Two emergency calls were received by the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center at Grand Canyon Nat'l Park. One call emanated from Phantom Ranch and the other from the Boat Beach emergency phone at the confluence of the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. Witnesses said they had seen three people jump into the Colorado River near the Boat Beach. They were last seen being swept downriver.
After being interviewed by Park Service investigators, the group that was hiking with the missing individuals, (including family members), were flown back up to the South Rim. They were reportedly with the individuals at the time of the accident, but no additional information has been made publicly available, save for the statement that none of the three were wearing personal flotation devices.
One should NEVER attempt to swim the Colorado River, or enter into the river much further than ankle deep. Although rather placid looking in the Boat Beach area, the Colorado River is a massive and swift moving river, which maintains a cold temperature of about 50 degrees due to the Glen Canyon Dam where water is released from the more frigid bottom of the dam. Hypothermia can quickly set in, draining a person's energy. And even if someone makes it to a bank of the river there are few access points where someone could climb out.
The Park Service is currently conducting what sounds like a massive search - employing search units on foot, in zodiac boats, by air, and including search dogs. Hopes and prayers go out to all those involved.
Brian
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