Search For Bodies Comes Up Empty
The search continues for the two missing tourists that disappeared and are presumed drowned in the waters of Palo Seco, Parrita, a short distance from Quepos. The search yesterday was by land, air and sea for the bodies of Brett Carlson, 26, a Spanish professor and Jessica Pierce, 17, a student in Costa Rica to learn Spanish.

The two went missing Saturday late afternoon when, against advice from the owner of the hotel they were staying, went into the water in the rain and heavy waves. The bodies of Danielle Dongier, 18, and Harold Harusprite, 17, were recovered.

The four were part of a group of students from Kansas. Six members of the group went into the "choppy" waters at 5:40pm Saturday, following dinner.

Strong currents, rain and high waves dragged the swimmers out to sea, said Carlos Bolaños, a Cruz Roja (Red Cross) official. Two of the swimmers were rescued.

The superintendent of the Labette County school in Kansas, Dennis Wilson, told the AP news agency that professor Carlson and his group of students were in Costa Rica since June 6. Wilson said that the students had saved up during the school year to make the trip.


"Brett Carlson was a very popular and loved teacher", said Wilson.

The Red Cross said it searched an area up to 10 nautical miles from the area of the accident and came up empty.

Guillermo Arroyo, national chief of rescue for the Red Cross, said "they will not skimp on resources to find the bodies".
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