Dec 26, 2007 10:29 am US/Pacific
Missing E. Bay Boater Search Now Recovery Effort
LIVERMORE (CBS 5) ―
The search for a 32-year-old man last seen Sunday in the Bethany Reservoir in Alameda County before his boat capsized has been deemed a recovery effort, Alameda County sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Nelson said Wednesday.
Tracy resident Eric Wright was fishing in the reservoir, located in a state recreation area northeast of Livermore, on Sunday with his father-in-law, Nelson said.
Wright's father-in-law went to retrieve the truck or trailer used to transport the boat and came back to find the boat overturned and Wright nowhere in sight, according to Nelson.
Sheriff's divers, search dogs, and helicopters with infrared technology began searching the reservoir and the surrounding recreation area at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nelson said.
Officials have not determined if Wright, believed to be a good swimmer, is in the 32-foot deep water or along the shoreline, Nelson said.
The water temperature in the reservoir was about 49 degrees when searchers combed the area Monday, Nelson said.
Sheriff's deputies, California State Park rangers, and California Highway Patrol helicopters will continue to conduct periodic checks for Wright on the shoreline and surrounding areas of the Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area, Nelson said.
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