KERR COUNTY — INGRAM, Texas — Blue Diver Search and Recovery has been called to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts along the Guadalupe River, as requested by state representative Josey Garcia.

The operation, described as massive and challenging, is taking place under treacherous conditions with no visibility, dangerous pathogens in the water, and extreme heat.

“It’s a job that we’re gonna leave here and not take back home talking about,” said a Bishop, a member of the Blue Diver Search and Recovery team, who traveled from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Before entering the water, team members meticulously check every buckle and strap to ensure their survival against bacteria and other pathogens.

“You’re completely sealed up in your dry suit, so that the water hopefully cannot touch you,” he said. “The goal is to never make contact, especially around your mouth, in your nose, in your ears.”

Advanced technology is aiding the search teams in navigating the murky waters. “It uses sonar pings to go into density and measure density on the screen,” Bishop said. “It will show you Os, if it’s like wood or debris, and it will show you Xs, if it’s body tissue, anything that matches the density of the body.”

“It’s difficult to want to find someone, but not want to find anyone. It’s difficult to have the two together,” said Ryan Prigmore, Captain and owner of Blue Diver Search and Recovery.

Austin Harden, Acting PIO for the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department, said the majority of the search is concentrated around the Ingram Dam, extending west towards Hunt. The search area spans approximately 80 miles, requiring careful coordination.

“We have four different divisions and crews quartered up into general areas, searching each side,” Harden said. “We have maps up and we have pinpoints on where each crew is as they move upstream or downstream, who’s on their crew.”

Harden emphasized the importance of keeping unregistered individuals away from the area to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Contact the Ingram Fire Department to register, 830-367-5641.

A GoFundMe has been established for those wishing to donate to Blue Diver Search and Recovery. The team has received substantial support from Perdido Marine, Roadhouse Transportation in Comfort, and Search and Support San Antonio.