From The Tribune staff reports
SMITH LAKE — Multiple agencies continued the search for a missing boater on Monday, July 20, 2020.
The boat of Dustin New, 26, of Fultondale, was found capsized on Thursday. Crews have been conducting a search since then.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has Marine Patrol and Aviation on the scene, along with Logan Fire & Rescue, Crane Hill Fire & Rescue, Cullman Co. S.O., Houston Co. Search & Rescue, Christian Aid Ministries Search & Rescue and Elite Detection K-9. Units are using side-scan sonar, a towable submersible sonar, cadaver dogs, aerial assets, and dive teams to search the area.
Sgt. Chad Pate, the Northern District Assistant Commander for ALEA-Marine Patrol Division, said the search has been challenging.
“The search has been difficult due to water depth, lake bottom conditions, and extreme heat,” Pate said. “The search area goes up to approximately 140 feet with standing timber as well as cut timber on bottom.”
Pate said the search would continue Monday for as long as possible.