Search for hunters now a recovery mission

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. - February 11, 2008 (WPVI) -- Rescue crews are more than a day into the search for two missing hunters. They've been combing the waters in a southern Cumberland County marsh along the Back Creek.

One body has already been discovered. Now family members are awaiting word on the others, with little hope.

The search for the 2 men who were out hunting for snow geese over the weekend was called off at around 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. When it resumes in the morning police say it will be considered a recovery mission

Coast Guard and State Police choppers conducted a methodical search by air on Monday while others walked the marshlands a few miles from the Delaware Bay. It was the 2nd cold day of searching rural Fairfield Township for the 2 hunters identified as Dr. Joseph Karamuz, 69, of Huntingdon Valley Pennsylvania, and 59-year-old Jerry Piorkowski of Port Richmond. Authorities presume they are dead.

The body of a 3rd hunter 45-year-old Jan Toryfter of Princeton was discovered at about 9:30 Sunday night in the marsh. Also recovered was a 12-foot row boat along with life jackets, hunting gear and 1 shotgun.

Sgt. Bodine says the 3 men launched at the Husted's Landing Marina. This is an area of small creeks and extensive marshlands. The body found Sunday night was less than 200 yards from the marina.

Get more Local/State »

local/state, cathy gandolfo

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•