A miniature robotic submarine will descend into the North Thompson River in search of Gibsons May Milling when the weather improves.
"We haven't given up," Clearwater RCMP Sgt. Stuart Seib said of the effort to retrieve the missing 81-year-old's body.
The detachment has enlisted the aid of GP Recovery Services out of 70 Mile House. Owners Penny McAninch and husband Gary will use an underwater remotely operated vehicle to search the river.
Police believe Milling's southbound Buick veered off Highway 5 near Mad River and down a 30-metre embankment. Officers found bits of glass, a tail light and ICBC papers identifying Milling on Oct. 16.
An RCMP dive team searched the North Thompson last fall, but only found bits of Milling's 2009 Buick Lucerne before the water became too murky. Seib said a cadaver dog followed a scent for a distance downstream but river ice hindered the search.
That's where the McAninchs come in. He said the couple, who specialize in underwater recovery, have offered to help once it is easier to access the river.
McAninch said the ROV can search to a depth well beyond the 60 metres the car is likely submerged in. If the submersible can't find Milling's car, then she is confident the couple's side-scan sonar will.
"That shows us everything on the bottom of the river no matter how murky the water is," she said. "Even if the water is murky, the ROV can see much better than my husband, Gary, can if he is diving."
The ROV can go into the water at any time. But, being winter, snow and ice make it difficult for the McAninchs to get their equipment into the water, she said.
"We're very hopeful that we will be able to find her," said McAninch, adding she and Gary want to bring closure for Milling's friends and family.
Milling was not married and had no children. She left Gibsons Aug. 26 and headed for Grand Forks, Radium, Banff and then on to Jasper, a journey she makes annually.
She was en route to Kamloops from Jasper to visit her longtime friend Jenny John when she disappeared.
