A man from Central America was reported lost in the Buffalo River Tuesday afternoon.

According to the National Park Service, dispatch received notification at approximately 4:15 of a swimmer in distress at Grinders Ferry, a section of the river 10 miles north of Marshall. The swimmer, identified as 39-year-old Fidel Angel Salamanca Saravia of San Miguel El Salvador, had waded into the river, lost his foot and was swept under water by the river’s current, never resurfacing. Saravia was reported to not wearing a life jacket. 

National Park Service Rangers immediately began searching the area via motorized boats. In addition, the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office and County Dive Team search the water until dark. Additional organizations such as Marshall Fire Department, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Harrison Fire Department, Hasty Fire Department and Mennonite Disaster Services were also on site assisting during the incident.

Officials state the search will continue into the coming days and additional volunteers are not needed at this time.

Though this is the first person lost on the Buffalo River in 2023, just days before another incident occurred in the same location, resulting in the near drowning and hospitalization of multiple people. Officials ask visitors to ensure they are familiar and competent in these natural environments before swimming, includes being able to independently resurface after unexpectedly going underwater, stay afloat, change position, and swim a distance to get out of the water safely. Drownings can be prevented by wearing life jackets and closely supervising children.

To report an emergency, call 911 or the park’s 24-hour dispatch center at 1-888-692-1162.

(Story and photo from KTLO)