BWCA search for missing canoeists continues as weather improves

IRON LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) – An influx of resources from state and local authorities as well as improving weather conditions are contributing to the search for two missing canoeists in the Boundary Water Canoe Area (BWCA), according to an update from the County Sheriff's Office. St. Louis County.

The Minnesota National Guard was ordered to assist in the search Thursday and joined the Ely Fire Department, Eli Police Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service United, Minnesota Air Rescue Team, Virginia Fire, North Air Care and Anderson Canoe Outfitters. .

Improving weather conditions also allowed personnel and equipment to be transported by air and sea to the area to assist in the search, the sheriff's office said.

The missing canoeists were identified Monday as Reis Grams, 40, of Ham Lake and Jesse Haugen, 41, of Cambridge, as two of the men who were swept away after two canoes crossed Curtain Falls in the BWCA Saturday evening.

Three other men in the group have already been rescued. Kyle Sellers, 47, of Ham Lake, was rushed to hospital for treatment. Erik Grams, 43, of Ham Lake, and Jared Lohse, 33, of Cambridge were also airlifted out of the wilderness area.

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Officials say they are using boats such as zodiacs and canoes, as well as sonar, remotely operated vehicles, drones (ROVs) and dogs that were able to reach the area. Searches are expected to continue throughout the weekend and the majority will involve shoreline, on-water and ROV searches.

The sheriff's office said search efforts would be hampered by rising water levels and current. There is also an expected weather cell moving into the area that crews say will work.

There are currently more than a dozen crew members on the ground in the area, supported by several others in air operations and command posts, according to the sheriff's office.