The search for a second person, 65-year-old Rick Norber from Saint Louis, whose canoe capsized in the Buffalo River Wednesday, continued until 7:00 Thursday evening. Search efforts on both banks and on the river between Kyles Landing and Erbie produced negative results in spite of significantly lower water levels and an expanded search team.
According to Public Information Officer Caven Clark, the incident occurred when a group of four men in four canoes decided to tackle the flood waters above Kyles. Two canoes managed to traverse the distance safely but two overturned. Norber was last reported in the water across from the launch site at Kyles and has not been seen since. Personal items belonging to Norber and those with whom he was paddling were recovered Wednesday. Both canoes which overturned were recovered Thursday.
The search was headed by Buffalo National River with assistance from multiple agencies including the Arkansas Canoe Club, Arkansas Forestry Commission, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Search & Rescue, Carroll County Emergency Management, Christian Aid Ministry, Harrison Fire Department, Harrison Swift Water Rescue Hasty VFD, Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging, Mennonite Disaster Services Search & Rescue, Mount Sherman VFD, and TriCounty Search & Rescue. In addition to kayaks, and a variety of motorized vessels, a tracking dog was used in areas where the missing man’s personal belongings were identified.
While river levels continue to drop, the overall conditions for the search remain hampered by high and turbid water. Conditions will improve Friday but will be followed by heavy rains throughout the weekend. Friday’s search effort will focus on river banks within the same search area as before.
The Buffalo River is closed to floating between Kyles Landing and Erbie until further notice. Visitors are also reminded that many park areas are now or soon will be closed in anticipation of heavy rains this weekend. Floating is not recommended and visitors who plan on camping should call Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870/439-2502 or Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station at 870/449-4310.
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