Multiple Agencies Search for Missing Boater Along Mississippi River Near New Madrid

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Multiple search crews are out looking for a missing boater along the Mississippi River in New Madrid County.

New Madrid Police Chief Joey Higgerson stated authorities were notified about a missing boater in the Mississippi River at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30.

Higgerson reported the boater went missing just south of New Madrid.

Multiple agencies searched the area from about 3 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning at around 7 a.m., search efforts resumed.

The missing man was identified as Bruce Shockley of East Prairie.

"We ask that people stay out of the area if at all possible," Higgerson said in a video statement.

Higgerson said crews will continue searching the area to find Mr. Shockley over the next few days as weather permits.

For any civilian boaters helping with the search, they are to use the city boat ramp in Downtown New Madrid. Higgerson also urges boaters to wear life jackets.

Assisting with the search is the New Madrid Police Department, New Madrid Fire Department, New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, New Madrid County Ambulance District, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Region E Homeland Security Response Team.