Anders was found on the water at mile marker 46.5, 4.1 miles north of where Florida River goes into the Apalachicola River, Minchew said.
“We knew we had to stay downstream of him,” Minchew said. “I was sending boats all the way down to Mile Marker 11.”
Divers from Washington County were working the water just two miles south when Wewahitchka Search and Rescue boats found him that morning.
He said the rising river level made things difficult in the 13-day search but, “We did what we needed to do. We covered the whole river.
The 126-member volunteer group worked hand in hand with the Liberty County Search and Rescue team as well as agencies in surrounding counties in what Minchew called “a massive effort.”
Minchew said there was never any question of how long they would continue the search, explaining, “We come off the river when the family goes home.”
Friends and family gathered Tuesday afternoon at Lake Mystic Baptist Church for Curtis Anders’ funeral. They have requested that those who would like to do something in his honor make a contribution to one of the search and rescue teams.
HOW TO DONATE
•Liberty County Search and Rescue donations can be sent in care of Emergency Management Director Rhonda Lewis at 10979 NW Spring Street, Bristol, FL 32321.
•If you would like to contribute to the Wewa Search and Rescue group, checks should be directed to Don Minchew at P.O. Box 555, Wewahitchka, FL 32465.
Both groups are 501.3(c) non-profit for charitable donations. Minchew says he will be glad to send confirmation letters for tax deductions.