Search Continues For Missing Man Along River

PLYMOUTH, NH- Authorities are still searching for Michael Gatto, 51, of Thornton, NH. Gatto, a retired veteran, went missing along the banks of the Baker River, which empties into the Pemigewasset River in Plymouth, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, 2013. 

Lt. James Kneeland, from the NH Fish and Game Department, reported in a recent press release, "Gatto and a friend had planned to camp along the river's edge, near Plymouth High School's practice fields, not far from the Pemigewasset River." The friend reported Gatto missing at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"It is an ongoing investigation at this point in time," stated Stephen Lefebvre, Chief of the Plymouth Police Department.

In addition to authorities, volunteers also spent time searching from the air and in kayaks along the Baker and Pemigewasset rivers as far down river as Bristol, NH, which is approximately 13 miles from Banks River.

Conservation officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, along with officers from the Plymouth Police Department and a crew from the Plymouth Fire Department, spent the long hours on Saturday night searching the river's edge and the river itself for Gatto.

"The Fish and Game Department definitely does search and rescue, and we are also responsible for all of the underwater recovery, so our dive team can be called into action if there are needs to recover underwater evidence, or in some sad cases retrieving bodies from the water," commented Jane Vachon of NH Fish and Game Public Affairs.

"They don't know about this person quite yet. In this case, it appears to be a search and rescue case. There are many parties that contributed to the search and rescue, such as the local police and many volunteer groups. The Fish and Game Department oversees the whole operation," added Vachon.

In the early hours on Sunday, searchers were joined by volunteers from New England K-9 Search and Rescue, Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team, and the New Hampshire Marine Patrol in search for Gatto on land and the river's edge. He has yet to be found. 

"The search for him has ended. However, we are still following up on leads regarding the case," said Lefebvre.

Flyers have recently been posted along shop windows throughout Plymouth in hopes to find Gatto. "The Town Hall has done a good job of posting pictures of him around town, and encourages anyone to please call them or Plymouth Police if they have seen him," added Lefebvre. 

It is important to make smart decisions and use all safety precautions when around rivers or hiking the mountains across New Hampshire. "Stay on the paths and don't do it alone," commented Lefebvre. 

"We do urge people to always use care around the bodies of water, and the levels can change so rapidly depending on rainfall, the way it is one day can be very different on another," said Vachon.

The Fish and Game Department regularly manages and protects natural resources and habitats. They strive to inform and educate the public about these resources, and provide the public with opportunities to use and appreciate nature.

"It might sound very simplistic, but the rocks can be really slippery, and people may think it looks so benign, but if something bad were to happen you must remember to keep your wits about you and use good judgment," added Vachon. 

"Part of that is being careful about your use of substances and so on, so that you have good judgment because water can likely become life threatening and dangerous."

There is much to be learned about this case, and hopefully good news will arise soon regarding Gatto's whereabouts and condition. Until then, it is best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings when exploring the outdoors.

"Here, we have had people die in our rivers, but they are always there and are beautiful and can be a great source of recreation. You just have to use common sense, watch the weather, and be sure to check the conditions," stated Vachon.

Anyone with information about Gatto's whereabouts is asked to contact the Plymouth Police Department at 603-536-1804 or the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at 603-271-3361, or call the Plymouth Town Hall 603-536-1731.