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Emergency crews continue their rescue efforts to recovery two bodies from the Big Sioux River in Falls Park Friday.
A special crane has been brought in to try to break through two feet of ice, so divers can get into the river to look for the two drowning victims. The victims are 16-year-old Madison Wallace of Vermillion and 28-year-old Lyle Eagle Tail of Sioux Falls.
Madison went into the river to try to rescue her six-year-old brother Garrett who had wandered into the foam at about 6 p.m. Thursday night. Eagle Tail saw the crisis unfold and went into the water to try to help. We are told Garrett is okay and with his family.
Authorities say they don't know if Garrett actually was in the water at all or just in the foam.
“It's hard to say whether or not he was able to come out on his own or if one of the people who initially went in and threw him up on shore, but fortunately he did survive.” Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel said.
And officials say it could be awhile before they find the victims.
“We're current looking at another long day or two day operation to determine how long it's going to take to do the recovery,” Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Chief Jim Sideras said.
Firefighters continue to hose down the foam in the water. Crews are also working in very cold temperatures. They say the water temperature is near freezing. Water upstream has been diverted from a diversion channel and that’s helping the current near the Falls.
KELOLAND News remains on the scene. We’ll bring you the latest as details come in.
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