From The Tribune staff reports
SMITH LAKE — Multiple agencies continued the search for a missing boater one week after his boat capsized.
The boat of Dustin New, 26, of Fultondale, was found capsized on Thursday. July 16. 2020. Crews have been conducting a search since then.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has had 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 used 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.”