SAN ANTONIO --The bodies of two men missing in Texas flood waters have been recovered, pushing the death toll caused by remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine to six. The victims include a 28 year old who was swept away in the Guadalupe River and a 57- year-old father who drove into a swollen San Antonio creek despite his wife telling him not to risk it.
It is the second time in just four days divers from the San Marcos Area Recovery Team, or SMART, have pulled a body from the waters. The SMART diving team feels fortunate they can help bring closure to families with their efforts. So far, they have made about 100 recoveries in their 22-year existence. This year they have been busy.
The search and recovery effort for the body of 57-year-old Calvin Gibson, whose pick-up truck was swept away Wednesday night in the flood waters of Cibolo Creek, came to an end Friday morning with the help of SMART.
"We responded out there Friday and searched for about 30 minutes and actually located his body in only about 4 feet of water," says Dan Misiaszek founder of SMART.
Misiaszek started the non-profit diving recovery team made up of 25 members consisting of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. SMART divers are called in by local law enforcement throughout the area once they have exhausted their search and rescue efforts.
"In our 22-year-history, we've only had two that we went in and actually covered alive. Usually by the time we get there it's much too late and we're recovering bodies which was the case today,” says Misiaszek.
So far this year the team has recovered five bodies. They made one live rescue back in June when a kayaker was trapped under a waterfall. Their advice is to be careful around rough waters. "Turn around don't drown! Do not take a chance going through the water," says Misiaszek.
SMART is a division of South Hayes Fire Department and relies on grants and donations for funding. If you would like to make a contribution, you can mail it to 1401 West San Antonio Street, San Marcos, TX 78666.
