The river search that began Wednesday night following a report that an individual had fallen from Oil City’s Wye Bridge into Allegheny River has been suspended for the time being due to dangerous conditions on the waters.
According to a press release from Oil City Fire Chief Time Alex, search efforts were halted Saturday after agency evaluations determined that it was unsafe to continue operating.
Since the initial incident, river conditions have changed significantly — water levels rose nearly two feet, ice protection device debris increased substantially, and underwater visibility was reduced to only a few inches, the release said, noting that river conditions will continue to be monitored.
The search for the fallen individual that began Wednesday night was later linked to missing person Jason Firster after Oil City Police received a call from his mother Thursday night, Oil City Police Chief Cory Ruditus told the newspaper Friday.
Efforts by emergency personnel from the surrounding area continued for long hours each day until they were suspended Saturday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends affected during this incredibly difficult time,” Alex said in the press release issued Sunday night.
He also encouraged residents to use extreme caution on or near the river, noting that anyone attempting to search independently would be placing themselves at serious risk.
“If you are near the water, a properly worn personal flotation device is essential. Boating near ice protection devices, particularly on the upriver side, is extremely dangerous and should be avoided entirely,” Alex said in the release.
The release requested that anyone planning activity on the water related to this incident notify the Oil City Fire Department.
