OBERLIN — The search is expected to resume today for a 12-year-old Jennings boy who drowned Sunday in the Calcasieu River off La. 26 just west of Oberlin.

Allen Parish Sheriff Doug Hebert III said Monday dive and search teams from several surrounding parishes have been using sonar equipment, cadaver dogs and other resources to search the swift river since the boy was last seen around 3:30 pm. Sunday.

The victim has been identified as Garrick Neil Jr.

Hebert said the boy and his mother’s boyfriend had apparently attempted to cross the river between the river bridge and a sandbar when a strong current overtook them. The area is a popular swimming spot.

“The boy was on the back of the boyfriend and the boyfriend got in distress and he couldn’t hold on to the boy and he fell off and went under water,” Hebert said.

The mother called 911 and a search began on the river until late Sunday and continued until 8 p.m. Monday.

Hebert said search efforts are being hampered by what he described as a swift current and murky water. Fallen trees and other debris in the water have also hindered search efforts, he said.

“They are having to feel their way through,” he said.

Nearly a dozen divers, law enforcement officers and firefighters are assisting in the recovery efforts.