Search continues for missing 10-year-old girl in Passaic River as experts warn of hidden dangers
Recovery crews continue searching for a missing 10-year-old girl after three children were swept into the Passaic River Wednesday night. Experts say strong currents, steep drop-offs and muddy conditions can make the river far more dangerous than it appears.
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Recovery crews spent another day searching the Passaic River after three children were swept from a boat ramp and into the water Wednesday night. One child survived, one has been found dead and crews continue searching for the third.
As the recovery effort continues, water safety experts say the Passaic River can be much more dangerous than it appears.
Capt. Bill Sheehan, executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, says boat ramps like the one where the children were playing can create a false sense of security.
"It looks like concrete... like wet concrete," Sheehan said. "Because you're on a grade like that, you get on a slippery slope. If you fall off the end of the ramp, you're going to fall into the mud, and the mud is almost impossible to get out of."
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said a man who jumped into the river to help the children experienced that danger firsthand.
"There is a natural drop-off," Lora said. "The gentleman who jumped in and tried to save them explained that as soon as he was off the ramp, the water came up to his chest."
Recent heavy rain has also made conditions more dangerous, increasing the river's flow and strengthening its currents. Experts say even when the water appears calm, powerful tidal currents continue moving beneath the surface.
Those same conditions have also complicated the recovery effort. Divers have little to no visibility underwater and often rely on touch rather than sight as they search the riverbed.
Lora also pushed back on criticism directed at the children's family, calling them "loving and attentive parents" who have cooperated with investigators throughout the search.
Officials continue urging people to stay out of the river and to contact police if they see anything that could help the search. City leaders say they are also looking at ways to improve safety along the river to help prevent another tragedy.
Earlier coverage by News 12's Chris Keating:
