For centuries, the Mississippi river has been a source of fascination to locals and travelers alike – but none more so than the curiousity of how many dead bodies are in the Mississippi river today. In this article, we explore the complex histories, underlying issues and social perspectives around the topic.
As the longest river in North America, the Mississippi river passes through 10 US states, emptying out into the Gulf of Mexico. It has been a notorious area for drownings, suicides and criminal activity over many decades. But how many bodies are actually in the river?
The short answer is – it’s impossible to know. The mighty Mississippi covers over 2,340 miles, and is a vast expanse of changing currents, eddies and depths. For this reason, many bodies are thought to have gone undiscovered due to the difficulties of finding them.
The most well-known corpse in the river is of course the ‘River Man’ or ‘Grim Sleeper’, a murder victim found in the river in 1978. Other famous victims of the Mississippi include the poet Sylvester Radford and the 1971 disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, a high-ranking union leader.
But the reality is most drowning victims are never found, and the number of missing persons cases that are suspected to be found in the river is unknown. Various estimates put the number of bodies between 50–90 people each year, with many more likely to remain submerged.
The harrowing effects of the river can be seen in the families of those missing and the emotional toll this takes. For example, the families of two young boys who disappeared while fishing in 2009, who were later assumed to have drowned in the Mississippi River, still don’t know what happened to their sons.
It has also been suggested that the river’s murky depths are home to many bodies of former slaves and Native Americans that were thrown into the water for unknown reasons. This horrible possibility will likely never be known due to the sheer scope of history.
Nevertheless, the Mississippi River remains one of the most vibrant, awe-inspiring and important waterways in the world – simultaneously both a destroyer and potential birthplace of new life.
The dangers and risks of swimming in the river
Although swimming in the mighty Mississippi may appear inviting for locals and visitors alike, there are numerous dangers that come along with it. Aside from the danger of drowning, there is also an increased risk of coming into contact with toxic materials and pollution that can lead to various illnesses.
In addition, there are a range of hazardous activities that often take place in and around the Mississippi’s banks, such as boats running over each other’s wakes and people fishing in dangerous spots. These activities can lead to unfortunate accidents and injuries.
Overall, the Mississippi River’s natural dangers combined with the increased risks created by human activity make it imperative to remember the importance of safety and caution when engaging in any activity on the river.
The role of the Coast Guard in protecting the Mississippi
The Coast Guard plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the Mississippi river and its surroundings. The mission of the Coast Guard is to provide maritime search and rescue services, law enforcement and regulatory operations. This includes conducting regular patrols to search for missing persons, as well as checking for safety on the water and ensuring marine navigation safety.
Moreover, in cases of suspected criminal activity on the river, the Coast Guard works in collaboration with other federal and state law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, to investigate the matter. This ensures that the Mississippi river remains a safe place for all who use it.
In addition to the Coast Guard’s operations, numerous other organizations and individuals strive to protect the Mississippi and raise awareness of the dangers of being on the water. This includes the Mississippi River Paddlers Association, an organization comprising of volunteers who help keep the river clean and promote responsible paddling practices.
The relationship between the Mississippi River and the City of New Orleans
The City of New Orleans has always been closely linked to the Mississippi river, long heralded as the ‘lifeline of the city.’ The city is well-known for its vibrant culture and spirit, and is a major gateway for goods for the Central and Southern coasts of the United States.
Moreover, the river houses much of the city’s economy, as most of the major industries rely on the transport of goods via boat and ships. This includes the massive oil fields located offshore from the Port of Louisiana.
Overall, the Mississippi river plays a critical role in the life and livelihood of the people of New Orleans, and its continued protection is crucial for the future of the city.
Future developments and issues in the Mississippi
Given the complexity of the Mississippi river, there are a vast array of issues to be addressed in the future. This includes the development of more effective techniques for search and rescue, dealing with pollution in the area and promoting informed navigation practices to increase safety on the water.
Moreover, due to the uncertain number of bodies that are in the river, more research needs to be conducted to capture a greater understanding of the situation. This can involve implementing more advanced underwater cameras and mapping technologies to be able to identify any potential dead bodies.
Overall, there is much to be done to protect and develop the Mississippi river, and governments, organizations and individuals all have a role to play in this.
The legacy of the Mississippi River
Despite the various challenges posed by the Mississippi river, it continues to be an important part of life in the US and the world. By being aware of the inherent dangers and understanding the potential consequences, the river can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
In addition, the Mississippi river has been a source of inspiration and enjoyment for centuries, and continues to be a stunning feature of North American culture. The river and its legacy will undoubtedly continue to be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
