Missing boater in New Madrid County identified; search continues

NEW MADRID, Mo. (KBSI) – Several law enforcement departments are searching for a missing boater on the Mississippi River south of New Madrid.

New Madrid Police Chief Joey Higgerson says the missing boater has been identified as Bruce Shockley of East Prairie.

Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m., police were notified of a missing boater in the river.

Several members from multiple law enforcement agencies searched the area from about 3 p.m. to midnight. Crews resumed the searched Wednesday around 7 a.m.

The New Madrid Fire Department, New Madrid Police Department, New Madrid Conty Sheriff’s Department, Missouri Department of Conservation, New Madrid County Emergency Management, New Madrid County Ambulance District, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Region E Homeland Security Response Team are conducting an air and water search for a missing boater.

The conservation boat ramp is restricted to emergency personnel who are conducting the search.

Chief Higgerson crews will continue to search the Mississippi River as weather permits.

The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Civilian boaters who are taking part in the search are asked to use the city boat ramp in downtown New Madrid.