The Butte County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California is leading a desperate search for two teenage brothers who went missing after their kayak capsized during a duck hunting trip on the Thermalito Afterbay. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 14th, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies. The missing teens have been identified as 17-year-old Wesley Cornett and 19-year-old Andruw Cornett.
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The Search and Rescue Operation
According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, they received a report on Saturday that one of the two duck hunters had overturned in a kayak. The other brother bravely attempted to rescue him by swimming into the frigid waters of the Afterbay. Tragically, both brothers disappeared beneath the surface and have not been seen since. Upon receiving the alert, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation.
The search effort involves a multi-agency team including the Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Aviation and Marine Unit, the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA), the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Marine Unit and Dive Team members, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and CAL FIRE. Divers, sonar equipment, and underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are being utilized to scan the Afterbay’s depths, hoping to locate the missing brothers.
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From Rescue to Recovery: A Shift in Focus
Initially, the operation was focused on rescuing the brothers. However, as days turned into nights with no sign of the teens, authorities announced a somber shift from rescue to recovery. Sgt. Brian Evans, with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, explained that the focus is now on locating and recovering the brothers’ bodies. The challenging conditions of the Afterbay, including cold water temperatures and poor visibility, have made the search incredibly difficult.
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Community Support and Official Statements
While the community’s desire to help is understandable, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the public refrain from joining the search efforts. They have emphasized that trained professionals from various agencies are best equipped to handle the complex operation and that untrained volunteers could potentially hinder the search or put themselves at risk. The Sheriff’s Office has committed to providing updates as they become available and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of water activities, especially during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Missing Brothers
What were the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the brothers? The brothers were duck hunting on the Thermalito Afterbay when their kayak overturned. One brother fell into the water, and the other attempted a rescue, but both subsequently went missing.
What agencies are involved in the search? Multiple agencies are involved, including the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, California Rescue Dog Association, and various other local and state agencies specializing in search and rescue operations.
Why is the public being asked not to participate in the search? The complex nature of the search requires specialized training and equipment. Untrained volunteers could hinder the efforts and potentially endanger themselves. The professional teams involved are best equipped to handle the search effectively and safely.
What is the current status of the search? The search has transitioned from a rescue operation to a recovery operation, with efforts focused on locating and recovering the bodies of the missing brothers. Authorities are using sonar, ROVs, and divers to search the Afterbay.
Where can I find updates on the search? The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is providing updates on their official Facebook page and through press releases to local media outlets. They have requested that the public refrain from calling their dispatch center for updates to avoid overwhelming their resources.
