Mariposa deputies, search and rescue teams search for swimmer swept away in Merced River

Mariposa County Deputies and search and rescue teams continue a search of the Merced River on Tuesday, after a swimmer was swept away Sunday evening.

Authorities are searching for a swimmer identified as Alans Alvarenga, of Merced, after he disappeared while swimming in the river near Briceburg, according to authorities. At about 6 p.m. Sunday, Alvarenga swam across the river near the McCabe Flat campground and was swept downriver as he attempted to swim back across, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies, search and rescue teams and staff with the Bureau of Land Management immediately began searching for the swimmer. On Monday, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office staff assisted in the search with the use of the department’s helicopter Eagle One, along with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team, according to authorities.

The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to the same area recently for a drowning death and an incident involving a potential drowning victim who was resuscitated.

The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the public avoid the area as trained search and rescue personal continue to search for the missing swimmer.