Search winding down for man missing on the Buffalo River

The search for the person whose canoe capsized in the Buffalo River Wednesday is winding down for the third day without discovery. According to Buffalo National River Public Information Officer Caven Clark, based on the forecast of flood conditions, the operation will be suspended until river conditions become safe again.

The search for 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.

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 was recovered Wednesday. Both canoes which overturned were recovered Thursday.

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.

   

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