Breakthrough Discovery in Grand Strand, South Carolina
An amateur sonar enthusiast and medical technician has made a significant breakthrough in a missing persons case dating back to 2015, utilizing a homemade sonar device to locate a submerged vehicle containing human remains. Local news outlet WPDE reported the discovery on Tuesday.
Innovative sonar device leads to discovery
Jason Souhrada, an X-ray technician at Conway Medical Center in northeastern South Carolina, employed his self-made sonar scanner to detect a Dodge Nitro in the Myrtle Beach area of the Grand Strand. The vehicle, submerged underwater, was found to contain human remains.
The Search and recovery process
Souhrada’s innovative sonar scanner, mounted on a boogie board, revealed the vehicle during a search operation. “Adam dove in and got the license plate and we contacted the police department,” Souhrada stated.
Souhrada’s journey into sonar searching began through online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. He constructed his budget-friendly sonar device, which comprises a boogie board, a pelican case, a sonar unit, and a remote control setup for thrusters to facilitate movement.
“It’s basically a boogie board, a pelican case, and a sonar unit, plus the remote control setup for the thrusters to make the device move,” Souhrada explained to WPDE.
Previous successes in underwater searches
This recent discovery is not Souhrada’s first success. His DIY sonar device previously located a vehicle missing since 1982. In late 2023, he identified the remains of a wrecked 1975 Camaro at the bottom of Jack’s Creek in North Carolina. Authorities recovered the wreckage and three thigh bones, belonging to David McMicken, 24; Michael Norman, 32; and William Clifton, 30.
Helping families find closure
The discovery of the Dodge Nitro, with the remains of the missing man, marks the fourth family Souhrada has assisted in resolving cold cases. “We don’t charge the families anything,” he emphasized, highlighting his commitment to aiding police in areas that are otherwise inaccessible to their boats.
Souhrada also advises families of missing persons to remain proactive. He reportedly counseled family members to “keep looking and keep making news stories about their missing loved ones” as this helps the efforts of private search teams like his.
Jason Souhrada’s dedication and ingenuity in creating a homemade sonar device have brought hope and closure to multiple families with cold cases. His contributions underscore the vital role that passionate individuals can play in search-and-recovery efforts, proving that innovation and determination can make a significant difference in solving long-standing mysteries.