Bodies recovered April 16th.
Fox News Phoenix
Apr 10, 2023
Two men are still missing after going underwater while paddleboarding on the Salt River on April 9. The Phoenix Fire Department stopped its search because of dangerous conditions, but friends and family are still out looking along the river bank. Phoenix Police identified the men as 38-year-old Ryan Jacobs and 38-year-old Shane Coates. We've spoken with family and friends of both men and many people were out here, searching the banks downstream, hoping to find them. The Phoenix Fire Department determined it was too dangerous for their swift water rescue crews to go into the water.
Phoenix rescue crews look for 2 adults possibly stuck in Salt River
By FOX 10 Phoenix Staff
Published April 9, 2023
PHOENIX - Phoenix rescue crews have searched for two men who may be in the Salt River near 19th Avenue and Broadway, but there's been no sign of them so far.
First responders were initially called out on April 8 after it was reported that the pair was "in the water near the river bottom." What looked like a paddleboard and life jackets were seen abandoned in the rushing water.
Rescuers searched a mile up and down the river from where they were reported missing, and a helicopter searched from above the scene. No men have been found, and no one has reported seeing them exit the water.
"It is extremely important that the community understands how dangerous this area of the river can be," said Capt. Scott Douglas with Phoenix Fire. "This is not a recreational location similar to that of the Salt River tubing area. We urge all people to remain out of the water due to the potential life safety hazard that this swift water presents!"
The water is so dangerous, he says, that it wasn’t safe for rescue crews to go inside the water to look. "We have multiple currents going in multiple directions, a lot of debris as well as air pockets that build under the water which actually reduce the buoyancy of the life preservers," he explained.
A helicopter from above was ready to hoist anyone if they noticed signs of life. "There’s big undercurrents that can keep them under the water, even up to days or weeks," Douglas said. A grave reminder, he says, of just how treacherous this area of the river can be. "We want to remind everyone to stay out of the water, he says, stressing that it’s not safe for anyone.
Phoenix Fire has stopped its search, turning over the scene to be monitored by Phoenix Police.
