Local K9 crew helping the search for missing teen boaters

One of those teams is Peace River K9 Search and Rescue, which is based out of Charlotte County. The non-profit has been around since 2005 and helps with search and rescue missions throughout Florida. The group, Down East Emergency Medicine Institute, contacted Peace River K9 to assist in searching the Jupiter inlet because they have cadaver dogs. The dogs are able to sniff bodies underwater from above water.

“All of our dogs are certified for open water, human remains detection,” said founder, Mike Hadsell. “We had some solid hits from the dogs, so we’re trying to track it down what it is that they’re hitting.”

While out last Saturday, the two dogs ‘hit’ on two spots in the water, so divers with Peace River K9 went into the water to see if they could find anything.

“This is one of the most treacherous inlets in the state of Florida, as far as the tide coming in and out, the currents, the way everything hits, there’s a lot of catches,” said volunteer diver, Ron Hinkle.

Hinkle said the search area is up to two to three miles off shore, in 100-foot deep water and it is known shark territory. In fact, that day Peace River K9 Search and Rescue was the only dive team willing to go because of the conditions. The four-member dive team was able to search the area for several hours, but unfortunately they did not find the bodies of the teens that day.

Peace River K9 said they anticipate they will be back searching the Jupiter inlet this coming weekend. Trust WINK News to keep you updated on their progress.

For more information about Peace River K9Search and Rescue, click here.