Winona County, Minnesota – The search for a missing southeast Minnesota boater concluded on Friday night when the Winona County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of 60‑year‑old Brian Daley of Utica. Daley’s remains were located in the main channel of the Mississippi River, roughly 1.5 miles south of Lock and Dam 5 and about ten miles upriver from the city of Winona.
Search effort coordinated by two sheriff’s offices
The effort to locate Daley began on Thursday after an unattended pontoon was reported in the backwaters of the river near Merrick State Park, close to Fountain City, Wisconsin. The Buffalo County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office and the Winona County Sheriff’s Office jointly led the search. On Friday, a second boater discovered Daley’s pontoon unattended in the main channel and moved it to the spot where it was later found.
Both agencies promptly began a systematic sweep of the main channel on Friday, deploying search and rescue teams to cover the stretch of river where the boat had been spotted. The coordinated response included local volunteers and additional resources from surrounding jurisdictions, illustrating the community’s commitment to public‑safety operations on the Mississippi River.
Recovery of the body
Later that evening, Winona County deputies reported that they had recovered Daley’s body from the river. The location of the recovery, north of Winona and south of Lock and Dam 5, aligns with the area where the unattended pontoon was initially located. Officials confirmed Daley’s identity as the missing Utica resident.
In a statement, the Winona County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Daley’s family and friends. The office also thanked members of the public who assisted with the search, as well as the numerous agencies that contributed personnel and equipment to the operation.
Community response
The tragic outcome underscores the hazards that can arise on the Mississippi River, especially for recreational boaters navigating its backwaters and main channel. Local authorities continue to urge boaters to exercise caution, ensure vessels are properly secured, and report any unattended boats promptly.
While the recovery brings closure to Daley’s loved ones, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coordinated emergency response and the vital role that sheriff’s offices and community volunteers play in safeguarding lives along Minnesota’s waterways.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
