Crews searched for a missing swimmer at Buffalo National River on Tuesday/NPS

A 39-year-old resident of El Salvador visiting Buffalo National River in Arkansas is believed to have drowned after disappearing under the water, according to a park release.

The release said Fidel Angel Salamanca Saravia, of San Miguel, El Salvador, was lost in the river on Tuesday.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, the park's dispatch office received notification that a swimmer was in distress at Grinders Ferry, a section of the river that is 10 miles north of Marshall, Arkansas. Fidel had waded into the river, lost his footing, and was swept under water by the river’s current, never resurfacing, the release said. He was not wearing a life jacket.

At approximately 4:40 p.m., National Park Service rangers arrived on scene and began searching the area via boats. Searcy County Sheriff’s Office and Searcy County Dive Team also responded, and divers searched the water until dark. 

The search was to continue into the coming days.