With river temperatures near 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of hypothermia is high. Cold shock can cause gasping and hyperventilation within seconds, while dexterity loss can occur in three minutes.
Unconsciousness may follow within 15 to 30 minutes, with survival times ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, indicating the urgency of the operation.
With the search underway, the FBI’s Washington Field Office dive team has joined recovery efforts, with specialized agents from the Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) navigating the challenging conditions of the Potomac River.
This plane crash marks the first major U.S. commercial aviation disaster since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, claiming 49 lives.
Other deadly incidents include the 2013 Asiana Airlines crash in San Francisco, which left three dead and nearly 200 injured, and a 2018 Southwest Airlines incident where a passenger died after an engine failure.
The recent accident has left communities across the region seeking solace and unity during this difficult time.
To support those affected, a city prayer vigil is scheduled for January 30, at noon in the Wichita City Council Chambers. All members of the community are invited to join together in prayer and provide support for one another.
