Ocaloosa County, Fla. (WMBB) – More community members participated in a search for the missing 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger on Wednesday.
Trinity was last seen in Destin in the water between Osteen Beach and Nolligo Point on Thursday.
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About 12 boats and 40 volunteers joined the United Cajun Navy on Wednesday to search the area since Destin.
Trinity’s family also participated in the search.
Members of the United Cajun Navy deployed helicopters, aircraft and divers during their search Wednesday. They joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE, the U.S. Coast Guard and others, including the Florida Coast Guard, the Florida Fish Protection Commission, and Destin Fire Rescue.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that the search effort would end at the end of the day.
“Our hearts are heavy. This is not the outcome that everyone wanted,” Sheriff Eric Aden said. “We are deeply grateful to all the agents, volunteers and community members who put their all in on this search.
Local law enforcement has entered into active search operations, but the Destin community has not stopped. Emerald Coast United urgently needs more boats and volunteers to continue their search.
United Cajun Navy and Emerald Coast United are extending their search until Thursday and inviting people to join.
According to Emerald Coast United, volunteers will be able to meet for a briefing at Joe’s Bayou Boat launch at 8am on Thursday, June 19th.
Organizers said parking fees will be waived and volunteers can inform staff that they are in the United Cajun Navy or Emerald Coast Unit.
All boats are welcome to participate.
You will be checked in to Kevin and Blackbetty (Mobile Command Center) upon arrival.
For questions or adjustments, call Kevin Lafond at 251-419-4890 or Joey Sauvageau at 850-420-5502.
