LAKE METIGOSHE, N.D. — A volunteer searcher discovered the body of 56-year-old Kelly Krebsbach shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday in a northwest North Dakota lake.

Krebsbach had been missing since last Saturday in Lake Metigoshe when the pontoon he was operating was discovered with the motor running and no one on board about 9:30 p.m. in the area of the Twin Oaks on Lake Metigoshe.

Water in the search area ranged from about eight feet to 16 feet and is punctuated by heavy weed growth in places. Authorities say the weed cover made the search for Krebsbach more difficult than anticipated.

Searchers included Dive teams from Jamestown, and Devils Lake, along with  North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bottineau County Fire Department, and Ward County Dive and Rescue, are all participating in the search.

Krebsbach was sent to the state medical examiner in Bismarck for autopsy. However, the Bottineau County Sheriff’s Office has said no foul play is suspected. Krebsbach had dropped off passengers on his pontoon at a dock about one-half hour before he was reported missing.

Meanwhile, the search continued without any results Thursday for a jet skier who went missing on Lake Sakakawea in the area south of the Four Bears Bridge on June 11. Missing is Chad Kanine, 42, Parshall. Authorities believe he fell of his jet ski sometime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on that date.

 

Previously…

bOTTINUEAU, N.D. (AP-CSi) — Searchers are looking for a missing boater on Lake Metigoshe in northern North Dakota.

Bottineau County sheriff’s officials say 56-year-old Kelly Krebsbach was operating a pontoon boat Saturday night on Lake Metigoshe.  Krebsbach had dropped off some passengers at a cabin on the lake. About a-half hour later, his empty pontoon was spotted.

Searchers include Dive teams from Jamestown, and Devils Lake, along with  North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bottineau County Fire Department, and Ward County Dive and Rescue, are all participating in the search.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger says, on site, the  Jamestown dive team used the side scan and ROV to search a large area on Monday.  He says, more data  will be reviewed Tuesday trying to see some areas to recheck.

There is  cadaver dog on site.

Jamestown officials may go back if further developments warrant.

Authorities also conducted an aerial search using an airplane and drones.