Dive-team efforts halted in search for man missing on the Merced River

Merced County Sheriff's Office suspended dive team operations in the search for a 36-year-old man who was swept away by the Merced River Wednesday at Hagaman Park.

But the search is not over, authorities confirmed.

Jose Castaneda, a 35-year-old Stevinson man, disappeared into the fast-moving waters of the Merced River around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after scrambling to save his 3-year-old daughter, who’d been swept away by a strong current while swimming at Hagaman Park. The girl’s mother, Faviola Ochoa, also went into the water after the child. Ochoa and the girl were rescued, but there’s been no sign of Castaneda for nearly 24 hours.

Strong, fast currents are carrying large amounts of debris down the river, posing a huge challenge for dive-team deputies, Deputy Daryl Allen said.

One of the deputies on the drive team became entangled with river debris, but was not injured, officials said.

Boating and air operations will continue over the next few days. Search teams in two rescue boats will sweep the bottom of the river throughout the day.

Search and rescue teams likely will return to the park to search the river banks over the weekend, Allen said.

Investigators are asking people not to visit Hagaman Park. Merced County parks and recreation department doesn't have staff present to monitor visitors. Barriers previously were placed at the entrance to the park, but visitors likely tore them down, Allen said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates today.

This story was originally published June 15, 2017 at 1:01 PM with the headline "Dive-team efforts halted in search for man missing on the Merced River."