Search for missing Indiana canoeist suspended

SHELBY COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – Authorities say the search for a canoeist who was last seen in a central Indiana river has been suspended.

Witnesses reported seeing a person hanging onto the side of an overturned canoe Sunday afternoon.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources authorities say they searched Sunday afternoon and Monday morning along the Flatrock River in Shelby County.

Officials say rescue workers searched by boat, with sonar and dragged the river bottom.

Search teams also worked along the river bank and talked to residents in the area.

Indiana Conservation Officers say they have exhausted all efforts to find the man reported to be in the river.

“The biggest puzzling thing here is that this man has not been identified,” said Corporal Angela Goldman. “We still don’t know where he is or who he is.”

Authorities also can’t confirm whether the man is safe.

Officials say if any new leads develop, or a person is reported missing, the search effort will be re-activated.