After an extensive six-day search in the Destin East Pass and surrounding Gulf waters, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will conclude its active search for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger at end of day June 18, according to a statement issued by the sheriff’s office.
“While we will never stop hoping to bring Trinity home, we are now beginning the process of scaling back dedicated resources. Deputies will continue to patrol the area as part of regular operations,” OCSO said.
Trinity was last seen in the water about 7:30 p.m. near the Destin Pass on June 12. Since then, multiple state and local agencies, along with volunteer organizations, have worked tirelessly in a coordinated search effort by air, sea and land.
“Our hearts are heavy, and this is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said in a news release.
“We are deeply grateful to every agency, volunteer, and community member who gave their all in this search. Our thoughts and prayers are with Trinity’s family during this unimaginable time,” Aden said.
Although active operations will wrap up at end of day June 18, OCSO remains committed to supporting Trinity’s family and will respond to any new information when it becomes available.
“It is our sincere and heartfelt hope that Trinity is found and returned to her loved ones. We know this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for her family and the entire community. Please keep Trinity and her family in your thoughts and prayers,” OCSO stated in the release.
The sheriff’s office expressed thanks to all the agencies and volunteers who have supported the search.
Over the last six days, the operation spanned approximately 250 square miles — covering the south end of Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass, and miles into the Gulf.
Assets included marine vessels, aerial resources, dive teams and ground crews working in unified coordination. More than 40 dives were conducted over the course of the search, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office expressed “deepest gratitude” to the following organizations for their contributions:
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
• United States Coast Guard (USCG)
• Eglin Air Force Base
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
• Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Alabama Florida Helicopter Patrol
• Destin Fire Department
• North Bay Fire Department
• Cajun Navy
This information was provided by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Search for missing 10-year-old girl to conclude at end of day, June 18
Reporting by The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
