(Wahpeton)– Diving operations in the search for 12-year-old Colin Helmers have been suspended for now atleast.
That word this (Fri.) morning from Gary Owen of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Owen told KUOO news they’re now conducting surface searches during daylight hours. He added they’re looking at other possible alternatives, but didn’t elaborate. Owen says they feel they’ve taxed out the resources that were called in from three different states.
Owen also commented on the condition of the barge, which was brought up Thursday (see photo-courtesy Dickinson County News). He says the only damage was to a hull that had partially collapsed due to a difference in air pressure when the barge sank. Owen says the barge has been returned to its owner, Donaldson Docks of Estherville. He says an investigation into what caused it to sink continues.
Meanwhile a funeral service for 31-year-old Mathew Molacek of Wallingford, who was also on the barge when it sank, was held Thursday. His body was found Monday near the barge.
