Search and rescue crews from Grand Canyon National Park are searching for a 48 year old man from Washington State that has been missing from a commercial river trip on the Colorado River since late last night.
The man was reported missing by a guide from Tour West, Inc., a commercial river company based in Orem, Utah, at approximately 12:15 this morning. The call was received by Grand Canyon National Park Dispatchers via satellite phone from the commercial river trip after guides were alerted by sounds of someone in the water.
National Park Service search and rescue crews began a search at first light this morning where the trip was camped at River Mile 118. The search for the commercial passenger includes 10 National Park Service Rangers; four are members of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Dive Team. A helicopter crew from Grand Canyon National Park is conducting an aerial search.
The man and 20 other passengers were on a commercial Tour West trip that launched from Lees Ferry on Saturday, September 2nd, 2004. As is customary, the passengers will end their trip by helicopter exit at Whitmore Wash, River Mile 187.
River Runners for Wilderness urges anyone spotting any evidence of the missing man below mile 118, to contact Park emergency dispatch at 928-638-7911.