On the morning of Sept. 1 at approximately 5 a.m. it was determined that Miller, who was on the M/V Mr. Tom, was missing.
Bolivar County Emergency Operation Center volunteers, along with the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, Wasthington County Sheriff’s Department and Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, which brought a diving team, are currently searching the waters with four boats.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department helped Thursday in the search. In addition, local pilots have flown over the area.
On the morning he went missing, Miller did not report for the end of his shift.
According to a JANTRAN, Inc. press release, he was last seen by fellow employees at approximately 4:30 a.m. in the galley of the vessel.
An immediate search for Miller was conducted in conjunction with JANTRAN vessels and employees, and all available local authorities utilizing all available resources.
The United States Coast Guard was contacted and conducted an investigation into the incident. According to the Coast Guard, officials were contacted Wednesday afternoon.
“It is JANTRAN’s sincere hope that Mr. Miller will be found,” the press release noted. “We extend our gratitude to the volunteers that have worked tirelessly to assist in the search and rescue/recovery.
“Miller was a valued employee who was well thought of by his co-workers. On behalf of the entire JANTRAN family, we extend our sympathy and heart felt condolences to Mr. Miller’s family during this difficult time.”
Lee Tedder, the deputy director of the EOC, said this morning that conditions were favorable until later on in the day when tow boat traffic picked up.
“It’s really got the river churned up,” he said. “The waves are bad.”
Regardless, the emergency workers will continue their search throughout the day.