Rescue units from South Sioux City, Dakota City and Sioux City resumed efforts Monday morning in the search for a 23-year-old woman who was reported swept away by the current in the Missouri River late Sunday afternoon.
South Sioux City Fire Chief Doug Koopman told the Dakota County Star that his department is conducting shore-line searches along the river while boats from Sioux City and Dakota City fire departments are working along the river to recover the body of the woman, who was about 10 feet from shore when she was pulled under the water late Sunday afternoon and did not resurface.
South Sioux City firefighters were called at about 5:33 p.m. Sunday afternoon after witnesses said the woman was pulled under the water. South Sioux City firefighters, along with law enforcement from South Sioux City Police Department and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, responded immediately and began preparations for a shore-based rescue.
Working with Sioux City Fire Rescue’s technical rescue team, which used sonar-based watercraft, the search was conducted using shoreline reconnaissance downstream and a drone for aerial observation. Sonar equipment was used by the Sioux City rescue team, Dakota City Fire Department worked upstream to the last know location and Nebraska Game and Parks brought in a boat with specialized sonar technology to assist in the search.
After about an hour, Koopman said the situation transitioned from a rescue to a recovery mission.
Three hours into the effort, an object was detected by sonar about 100 yards from the spot where the individual was last seen, but the individual was not located.
Support was also brought in from the Dakota County and Woodbury County emergency management offices and the search continued until nightfall, when it was suspended until Monday morning at about 8:30 a.m.
“This incident has prompted a comprehensive, coordinated response involving multiple local and regional agencies. We commend all responders for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication under difficult circumstances,” Koopman said.
Check back to the Dakota County Star website for updates as they are available.
