The search continued Wednesday (5/28) for a man missing since a rafting accident on the Dearborn River Sunday night (5/25).

Search and Rescue teams were given some extra help Wednesday, as the river’s waters began to recede and K-9 units joined the search.

“We’ve covered all the areas where we found the other rafts and where we found coats and clothes,” said Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue member Mike Allen. “We’ve covered both sides of the river more than once.”

Rescuers say they hope the use of K-9 units will help speed up the search.

“Dogs can clear areas faster, because they use their noses instead of just visual,” said Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue member Twila York. “If someone is submerged, the dogs can tell you that they are there.”

The Dearborn still remains too powerful for traditional boats though, as a hovercraft continues to provide the only transportation for searchers.

“It’s invaluable,” said Allen. “That hovercraft is probably the only vehicle we could get on the river at this point in time.”

Searchers admit that finding the man alive after three days continues to become less probable, though they haven’t given up hope.

“This guy might be alive somewhere and just injured,” said York. “Until you know, you always have hope.”

Team members say they have located some additional clothing items, but have found no sign of the missing rafter.