LAKE SHASTA — Daily air, dive and surface searches continue for Kelseyville native Ashlee Rodrigues, 22, who was reported as missing and presumed drowned last Friday by the Shasta County Sheriff”s Office.
Rodrigues was riding as a passenger in a ski boat traveling southbound in the Sacramento River arm of Shasta Lake when she fell into the water from the bow of the boat, where she was seated. It is believed that neither Rodrigues nor the rest of the boat”s occupants were wearing life vests. SCSO said the investigation is ongoing at this time.
The search around the east side of Slaughterhouse Island has included the use of trained cadaver search dogs obtained through the state”s Office of Emergency Services, according to a statement from SCSO.
Shasta County”s dive team also has used a remotely operated vessel (ROV) and sonar units to search for Rodrigues.
The ROV is equipped with an underwater camera which has allowed the searchers to explore deeper waters and remain underwater for longer periods of time.
On Thursday CHP Air-14 was utilized to search Slaughterhouse Island and the waters to the east.
The Shasta County Sheriff”s Office Dive Team responded and continued to search for 12 hours throughout the day.
According to Supervisor Rob Brown, a friend of the Rodrigues family, SCSO plans to continue to utilize the K-9 units again this Monday, weather permitting.
“I am very impressed with the Shasta County Sheriff”s Office and their efforts,” Brown said via telephone from Shasta County.
He added, “While people have the best intentions and they want to be here, we need to keep the area clear for the search teams.”
An account has been established at Umpqua Bank for the Rodrigues family to assist with costs incurred pertaining to the search and rescue efforts being made. Donations may be made at the bank”s local branches in Kelseyville or Lakeport. For more information call the bank, 263-7500.
Contact Cynthia Davis at cdavis@record-bee.com.
