The search for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger is scheduled to continue Monday as multiple agencies maintained intensive efforts to locate the child who was last seen in the water in Destin East Pass on Thursday evening.
- Trinity was last seen in the water between O’Steen Beach and Norriego Point in Destin on Thursday night, prompting an extensive search operation that has involved numerous agencies working diligently on water, in the air and along the shore.
Friday’s search efforts included the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deploying two vessels and 10 divers who conducted 24 dives in the Destin East Pass area. A drone unit was utilized, Beach Patrol units searched shorelines, and Community Resource Deputies were deployed to fill operational gaps in the search.
Multiple agencies joined Friday’s operation, including three vessels from Eglin Air Force Base, one vessel from Destin Fire Rescue with dive support from North Bay Fire Control District, and multiple vessels with divers plus a helicopter from Florida Fish and Wildlife, all working in coordination with sheriff’s office personnel.
- The Destin Chamber of Commerce and Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer provided support for first responders’ needs during the search efforts.
Search operations continued throughout the weekend with marine units from multiple agencies, beach patrol teams, unmanned aerial systems and a specialized dive unit working in close coordination. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement sent a fixed wing airplane to aid in Sunday’s search, with plans for the aircraft to continue assisting Monday. Volunteer group Daphne Search and Rescue also participated in Sunday’s efforts.
“We know our community is anxiously awaiting updates, and we want to assure everyone that as soon as any official information becomes available, it will be shared,” the sheriff’s office stated Saturday.
The sheriff’s office acknowledged the emotional weight of the mission while emphasizing the dedication of all involved personnel. “This remains a heartbreaking time for Trinity’s loved ones and our community,” officials said Sunday.
Search operations are scheduled to continue Monday with continued focus on coastal and marine areas, as well as surrounding waterways and coastline.
The sheriff’s office expressed that their hearts are with Trinity’s family and asked the community to keep Trinity and her family in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
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