Divers trying to solve bone mystery

GULF STATE PARK, Ala. (WALA) - Divers have been working Monday to solve a gruesome mystery.  In the last few weeks, two human bones have washed up near the Gulf State Pier, now investigators are going underwater looking for some clues.

DIVERS SEARCH FOR BONES

Fisherman on the pier at Gulf State Park pulled in their lines and became spectators Monday. They watched as divers from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores hunted for human remains.

Fisherman Wade Dunn told us, “It’s a little strange. Something I haven’t seen in the last four years.”

Two human bones washed up on separate occasions near the pier in the last few weeks. One was an upper-arm bone, the other was a femur. Until forensic tests are done there’s no telling how old they are or even if they’re from the same person.

Sgt. Jason Woodruff, with Gulf Shores Police said, “Being that they showed up a few weeks apart in the same area, we were just hopeful some more evidence out here in the water.”

BIG AREA, TOUGH SEARCH

Searching the waters around the pier is a big task, the proverbial needle in a haystack. The divers worked in a grid pattern, methodically searching one area at a time.

 “They’re going to be pretty thorough about it today.” Sgt. Woodruff said. “And I expect if we’re going to find anything ,we’re going to find it today.”

TESTING DNA

Dozens of family members of drowning victims have contacted police about the bones, some from as far back as the eighties. Investigators said DNA may help to find to some answers.

 “We are contacting some families for some DNA samples with the bones we have, just to compare them to a known family member and too see what we can get. It’s going to take a little time,” Sgt. Woodruff told us.

Police know getting answers in this mystery will be very tough, but somewhere out there is a family looking for closure and they’re trying to provide that.

SECOND SEARCH

Divers attempted another search back in July, but they were hampered by cloudy water and rough conditions. Monday conditions were much better. We’ll continue to follow up to let you know if they find anything.