Updated 7-21-20 at 11:10 a.m.
CRANE HILL, Ala. – The search for missing boater Dustin New, 26, of Fultondale resumed on Smith Lake Monday morning. New’s boat was found capsized near Trident Marina Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Sgt. Chad Pate with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division said Logan Fire & Rescue, Crane Hill Fire & Rescue, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Search & Rescue, Christian Aid Ministries Search & Rescue, Elite Detection K-9, ALEA Aviation, and ALEA Marine Patrol are all on scene assisting with the search.
“Units are using side scan sonar, a towable submersible sonar, cadaver dogs, aerial assets and dive teams to search the area,” Pate said in a statement. “The search has been difficult due to water depth, lake bottom conditions and extreme heat. The search area goes up to approximately 140 feet with standing timber as well as cut timber on (the) bottom. The search will continue today for as long as possible.”
Maurice Reynolds with the Logan Volunteer Fire Department described the capsized vessel as a “work-type pontoon boat,” and said, “It wasn’t that far off the bank where the boat flipped, probably 30 yards, 40 yards at the most.”
ALEA is in charge of the investigation.
Said Pate, “There will be no other updates today unless Mr. New is located.”
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