K9 signals in search for missing brothers, TVA to shut dam for divers

UPDATED

Here is the latest information on the search for the two brothers who went missing on the Tennessee River in Alabama, one of which is the bass player for the locally popular band The Velcro Pygmies:

(The Previously posted content can be read below the statement)

Statement from Cameron Edds:

“At about 8:30 this morning TVA shut off the dam giving us what we thought would be perfect recovery conditions. The divers went in and soon were faced with the unexpected challenge of the water level being too low. They found themselves in waist deep water which contrary to conventional wisdom made it nearly impossible to search. Our 3 hour time limit came rapidly and TVA was forced to turn on the turbines again. This increased the water level but also created an unsafe current in which to dive. The lead agency has secured a specialized recovery team trained in highly technical extractions and they will be onsite by 11 tomorrow. Should their efforts be unsuccessful the TVA has agreed to cooperate and either shut down the dam again or dramatically reduce it’s flow so the divers can once again make an attempt. Based on the K9 unit they are fairly sure they’ve pinpointed the location of Jeremiah and Jacob. Once again tomorrow we will be welcoming all friends to the upper parking lot nearest the Tourist Center at Mcfarland Park at 9am.
Thank you to everyone for your unbelievable love and support. You can’t imagine what this display of affection has meant to Jeremiah and Jacob’s family. PLEASE keep the warm wishes and status shares coming. They are a large part of what is keeping all of us comforted.
We love you.”

 

PREVIOUSLY POSTED

According to a social media post on Friday night, the Tennessee Valley Authority will turn off turbines for search and recovery divers after a search dog unit signaled on the Tennessee River near where two brothers went missing recently.

For background on the search for Jeremiah and Jacob Sanders, click HERE.

 

The full text of the statement from Cameron Edds, shared by The Velcro Pygmies:

“We can’t begin to express what the unbelievable outpouring of love and support that has come our way during this horrible experience has meant to us.

Here is the latest update:

At about 5pm this evening the K9 Unit signaled on a location in the river where they believe Jeremiah Sanders and Jacob Sanders to be. They are in about 8 feet of water. The recovery mission has become increasingly challenging due to this location’s proximity to the dam. In order for the divers to reach them the TVA has to shut down the turbines in the dam (Jacob is gloating right now that he was the only person ever in this band to have the TVA turn off a dam for them). The TVA will only do this for an hour and a half and won’t do it again until the next day so, this effort MUST be coordinated perfectly. Due to the sensitivity of this operation and out of respect for Jeremiah and Jacob’s dignity we are requesting NO MORE search efforts from volunteers at this time. The rescue teams are facing enough challenges as it is without having to perform this in front of an audience. Tomorrow we will be setting up two locations, one for immediate family and one for those who would like to join in the comfort/life celebration that will occur at the launch site. This is a time when the family needs to be allowed their privacy, and that request will be honored tomorrow. We have NO intentions of asking people to stay away, just to stay OUT of the way. This is an incredibly sensitive operation both technically and emotionally, and want to honor Jeremiah and Jacob by allowing the rescuers to bring them home.

The Family area will be near the water and the Friends area will be near the entrance. Look for Chase, Chris or Cameron.

Thank you again for this incredible show of support.

We love you.”