ATV LOCATED, RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDER WAY...

Waskish, MN – The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office has located a submerged ATV that matches the description of the one that was reportedly operated by the two missing fishermen on Upper Red Lake. A hole in the ice was located and subsequently checked by searchers and through the use of a side sonar confirmed the presence of the ATV. Additional items located near the open water have lead rescuers to believe both missing individuals are in the water.

Recovery efforts are underway at this time with assistance from local resorts, DNR, State Patrol, Kelliher-Waskish Fire-Rescue, Blackduck Ambulance, Bemidji Fire Department, Blackduck Police Department and the Lakes Area Dive Team. We would like to thank the public for checking their property for the ATV and any signs of the missing individuals. Poor ice conditions have been a hindrance to the recovery efforts.

Additional information will be provided when it becomes available.

-Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office