It’s been a week since a New Cumberland teen disappeared along the Susquehanna River. Medard Kowalski, 17, left in a canoe to go hunting and he hasn’t returned.
For 8 days, river rescue teams and volunteers have searched land and water for Kowalski. What once was a rescue effort is now a recovery.
Kowalski went missing after he took a canoe on the Susquehanna River to go hunting on the islands. Rescue operations are scaled back now, but New Cumberland River Rescuers have been searching almost every day. Volunteers also helped by searching in their own boats. Those involved in the recovery efforts say it's difficult to see through the murky water, but they say there's always a chance they'll find Kowalski's body.
Assistant Commander of the New Cumberland River Rescue, Tim Stoner says, "If he did surface, it's trying to find him is the problem. He'll be on the move, he'll be floating so with the elements out there now, there's a chance we'll be pushed against an island or shoreline."
On Sunday, the search focused on Hoak and Zimmerman Islands because K-9s picked up a scent. As searchers brave the cold to recover Kowalski, volunteers are asking for your help. They've set up stations at boat launches in Fairview Township, and Highspire. If you'd like to donate warm drinks and food, contact the New Cumberland River Rescue at (717) 774-7555.
