Improving conditions in the Delaware River made it possible to begin dive operations Tuesday in the ongoing search for Timothy Panella and Richard Skoland, who’ve been missing since their boat capsized within the park last Thursday. Those efforts continued on Wednesday, concentrating on areas identified by a search dog as points of interest. Six divers from the National Park Service dive team participated in Tuesday’s operation, with support from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Unit. Divers completed 18 dives in the target areas, with each dive lasting about 25 minutes. Visibility in the water was about six feet, but the cold water, swift current and underwater obstructions, including trees and boulders, added to the complexity of the search. Rangers also continued to search the river banks and islands in an effort to find the missing men. New Jersey State Police Aviation Bureau provided aerial support. Divers will continue the underwater operation as long as search conditions are favorable. The river level continues to drop, although the current remains swift and the water temperature is in the low 40s. About 20 people were committed to the search effort yesterday.
