Work in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Missouri Task Force 1 in Fort Myers, Fla.

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – Missouri Task Force 1 returned to Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Oct 5, to continue primary and secondary searches.

#MoTF1 searched Tuesday over 570 different structures and debris piles in one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Ian. The amount of destruction caused by Hurricane Ian in this area is unprecedented in recent memory. They are seeing buildings that are completely gone from their foundations and in piles.

While performing their searches, one of the HRD (Human Remains Detection) canines unfortunately located a victim that did not survive the storm. As difficult as that may be, it is part of what we are assigned to do and our members know that. As much as we would like to find and rescue survivors there is some comfort knowing that we can help provide closure for the family of the victim. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

#MoTF1 are currently working on the southern tip of Fort Myers Beach, Fla. 

#MoTF1 DSAR (Disaster Situation Assessment and Reconnaissance) Team, which is a sUAS drone team working for the Florida UAV Strike Team, was also assigned to Fort Myers Beach. The Florida UAV Strike Team was used to quickly identify structures, from the air, along the beach that were difficult for the task forces to make access into. The drones were able to fly around the structures, photograph them and tag them by GPS for more in-depth search today. The #MoTF1 DSAR team tagged 25 of those locations their second day of work.

Wednesday the task leader stated, “MO-TF1 has been assigned to the southern end of the island to continue their assignment. There is a lot of work to do but the team is doing great and proud to be helping the citizens of Florida.”

A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THOSE BACK HOME: “The Boone County Fire Protection District would like to thank all of the employers and family members of those deployed on this mission. Without your unwavering support and sacrifice, MO-TF1 would not be able to do what we do.”

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to cover news and information as Missourians assist in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

 

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