Operation Summary
On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, Bruce’s Legacy was contacted by Jon Borreson regarding a missing person case in Lake Sakakawea. Mr. Scott Eagle, a tribal council member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, had fallen overboard while boating on the evening of Tuesday, July 30. Following coordination with local authorities, we committed to the recovery mission on Thursday, August 1, arriving in New Town at midnight on August 2 following the 12-hour drive.
Search and Recovery Process
On the morning of August 2, we met with law enforcement and tribal officials for a formal debriefing. By 09:30, our side-scan sonar equipment was deployed from a provided pontoon boat at the coordinates of the initial emergency call.
- Detection: Within 35 minutes of deployment, the sonar identified the victim’s location at a depth of approximately 50 feet.
- Recovery: Due to the absence of a local dive unit, Keith conducted the dive and successfully recovered the body.
- Transfer: Jurisdiction was transferred to local law enforcement immediately upon surfacing.
Tribal Recognition and Support
Following the recovery, the team attended a 17:00 presentation with law enforcement, tribal members, and the Eagle family. Claryca Mandan and the women of the Three Affiliated Tribes honored us each with two of the most beautiful Pendleton blankets and handmade quilts we had ever seen. They told us it was their way of sending someone off on a journey that has helped and touched them.
In addition to the pre-arranged travel reimbursement, the Tribe provided a generous donation to Bruce’s Legacy to support future recovery missions for families in need.
The appreciation they demonstrated for our efforts and service made us feel grateful we could help, and the 12-hour drive back home was less painful.
Acknowledgments
Bruce’s Legacy extends its deepest condolences to the Eagle family and the Three Affiliated Tribes. We would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their coordination and assistance:
- Jon Borreson & Damon Kennedy: Initial notification and logistical support.
- Russell Thomas & Claryca Mandan: Information sharing and mission preparation.
- Fred Poitra: Vessel operation.
- Marle Baker: Incident management and coordination.
