The search for a St. Louis man on the Buffalo National River was suspended Saturday. Crews in two boats were resuming their search for 65-year-old Rick Norber, but they had to leave the river by 2:30 due to the onset of heavy rains, thunder and dense fog.
Norber’s canoe capsized in the river Wednesday as he went on a float trip with three other men as they attempted to tackle the flood waters above Kyles. Norber’s canoe and another overturned. He was last reported in the water across from the launch site at Kyles and has not been seen since.
Rangers are urging visitors to the river to use caution around the river and at water crossings. Four rafters were reported putting on the river at Ponca in spite of the weather conditions, and visitors arrived Saturday at Lost Valley Trail to hike. Barricades have been set up at many locations around the river, and the major campgrounds and Tyler Bend and Buffalo Point are closed.
To report accidents, missing persons or unsafe conditions, contact park dispatch at 888-692-1162.
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