Crime & Safety

Hi-Tech Device Brought in to Help Search Lake for Missing Teen

A remote device arrives from California to aid in the search for Griffin Prince.

When divers resume their search on Lake Lanier for missing Griffin Prince, they'll have a new technical device to work with.

An underwater remote operating device has arrived from California to help with the search for one of the victims of Monday's fatal boating accident, according to WSB-TV.com.

Robert Estrada said he called a friend in San Diego to have him ship an underwater robotic camera here to help with the search. The equipment will be able to stay underwater for hours, WSB reported.

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Many of the divers can only stay in the water for about five minutes after diving to about 100 feet. 

"I guess you can say it's like a mini submarine that's got a camera and claws," Estrada said. 

Divers plan to take this weekend off in the search for the Buford teen, who has been missing since late Monday, when another boater crashed into a pontoon boat operated by the Prince family.

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The collision also killed Griffin Prince's brother Jake, 9. Paul J. Bennett of Cumming has been charged with boating under the influence in connection with the crash, and other charges are possible. Bennett operated a hair salon in Johns Creek.

The victims' father, Mike Prince Jr., was an operator of the Grass Shack, a popular boating business near Lake Lanier. Mike Prince Sr. is principal owner.

A memorial Facebook page has been set up for the Prince youths.

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This article originally ran in the Suwanee Patch on June 23.


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