Search Continues for Missing Swimmer

By 250 News

Fort St John, B.C.- The search  cotinues for a missing twenty two year old man who went missing while swimming in the Pine Rive on Friday.

The search is in its second day and personnel from North, South and Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue teams are actively looking for the male. At this time, there are eight search and rescue boats on the water and numerous other personnel, including a Police Dog, are searching along the shore line.

The search was initiated after three males entered the Pine River, near the junction with the Peace River, to swim just after 2:00 pm yesterday. One of the males was overcome by the current in the river and was pulled under water. The male's friends immediately phoned 911 and remained at the scene until emergency personnel arrived.

The missing swimmer is Clayton Russ, 22 years of age, from Fort St. John, BC.

Clayton was last seen wearing long red shorts. Police do not believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in this disappearance.

A helicopter was brought in to assist with the search, along with the Taylor Fire Department, Search and Rescue personnel, BC Ambulance Service, the RCMP and numerous community members. The search was suspended at 9:00 pm last night due to poor lighting conditions and resumed this morning at 6:30 am.

Search and Rescue personnel are asking for the public's assistance in abstaining from boating in the area of the search. The search area encompasses approximately 5 kilometres of the Pine River to the junction with the Peace River and then proceeds south to the Clayhurst Bridge. If you are boating in the area, please proceed slowly and do not stop, as you may interfere with the search efforts.

The family of the missing male is requesting privacy in this difficult time and they do not wish to speak with the media. A command centre has been set up and the RCMP will continue to liaise with leaders from the Search and Rescue teams to ensure that the search efforts continue.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us