ALBANY, N.Y. — The search for Jaliek continues as the half-year anniversary of his disappearance approaches. On Sunday, volunteers from Ohio came in to use their side-scan sonar to search areas of the Hudson River that haven’t been looked at yet.
“This is the way all things will be found underwater,” said John Sanders, a volunteer with Texas EquuSearch.
Sanders has 45 years of search and recovery experience under his belt. On Sunday, he took his skills to an area of the Hudson that police say Stephen Kerr was in — and making phone calls — the night Jaliek disappeared.
“There’s a particular area that hasn’t been searched and with the cell tower pings, we think it’s an area we should take a look at,” Sanders said.
Jaliek grandfather, Dennis Reeley, said, “It’s an area that’s familiar. It’s where my business is. The family knows it. Stephen knows it.”
A key component in the effort is the boat that’s being used. The Dutch Apple Cruise company donated their pontoon boat for the day.
“I’m glad I’m going out. I’m glad I can do my part to get this thing resolved,” said boat captain Ron Lasher.
The family and friends of Jaliek say the search of this area of the Hudson can eliminate any question about whether or not Jaliek is here. They also say they realize for them, this search will go on indefinitely.
Reeley said, “We’ve got a canoe. We’ve got hiking boots. We’ll keep searching until we find the truth.”
