Water search to resume Saturday in Potsdam for missing man

POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) - Fifteen hours after getting a report that a man may have jumped into the Raquette River in Potsdam, teams called off their search of the waterway Friday evening.

Officials say the search will resume Saturday morning.

A 911 call around 2 a.m. indicated someone may have witnessed a man going into the river at 23 Maple Street, across from Stewart’s Shops.

Authorities say they believe the person they’re looking for is a Clarkson University student.

Rescuers spent 15 hours Friday using drones and boats to search the river.

Maple Street was closed between Market and Pine streets.

“We say a special thank you to the folks of the Potsdam area who live and work here. Shutting down these two thoroughfares is quite a project and it creates quite a traffic congestion in other areas of the village. The people have been outstanding with us, very patient,” said Village Administrator Greg Thompson

The area where the search was happening was between the West Dam and the bridge on Maple Street.

According to Thompson, the search is a slow process because teams want to be as accurate as possible.

“We want to say a special thank you. We’ve had a great turnout here today. We’ve had New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Forest Rangers, as well as New York State Fire. St. Lawrence County Emergency Services is on scene as well as several local dive teams and fire departments. We are very heartfelt,” he said.

Also involved in the search are Potsdam police, the Potsdam Rescue Squad, personnel from Hannawa Falls, and the Parishville Volunteer Dive Team.

Copyright 2023 WWNY. All rights reserved.