Search continues for man swept away by Meramec River

FENTON, Mo. (AP) -- Rescue crews resumed a search Thursday for a 19-year-old man swept away while wading across the Meramec River at a park near St. Louis.

The name of the man was not released. He and four friends were trying to cross the river just after sunset Wednesday at Castlewood State Park near Fenton in south St. Louis County. The water was apparently deeper than the three men and one woman expected.

Two of the men and the woman managed to help each other to shore, but the fourth person disappeared in the water. Rescue workers searched for more than three hours before calling off the search just before midnight.

His friends say the missing man is not a good swimmer.

The spot has a sand beach and rapids and is popular with swimmers. The water appears to be shallow but authorities say it is dangerous.

"We've searched all night, but at this point, it's been a long time, and unfortunately the outcome probably won't be a good one," said Steve Sagehorn, assistant chief for the Metro West Fire Protection District.