New volunteers to join in search for missing kayaker

Posted on June 2, 2015

Abel Martinez went missing after a kayaking accident on Sunday. (Photo courtesy ciproud.com)

By Eric Stock

CONGERVILLE – The search for a missing kayaker is set to resume Tuesday morning in Woodford County, as a 24-year-old man has been missing since Sunday afternoon when he another kayaker capsized near the U.S. 150 bridge between Goodfield and Congerville.

Dozens of rescue workers have been searching nearly around the clock for Abel Martinez but they had to suspend their search once it got too dark on Monday night. Eureka-Goodfield fire chief Craig Neal told news partner WMBD the effort remains a ‘search’ mission.

“We still have hope, we have been keeping the family abreast of what’s going on,” Neal said. “That’s where we are at at this time.”

Authorities say the other man who was kayaking with Martinez made it to shore.

Another wave of searchers and volunteers is expected to join in the search on Tuesday. A McLean County K-9 unit has helped assisted in the search.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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