The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will conclude active search operations for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger at the end of the day Wednesday after an extensive six-day effort in the Destin East Pass and surrounding Gulf waters.
- Trinity was last seen in the water around 7:30 p.m. near the Destin East Pass on Thursday, June 12. Multiple state and local agencies, along with volunteer organizations, worked in a coordinated search effort by air, sea and land since then, but Trinity has not been located.
“Our hearts are heavy, and this is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “We are deeply grateful to every agency, volunteer, and community member who gave their all in this search. Our thoughts and prayers are with Trinity’s family during this unimaginable time.”
The search operation spanned approximately 250 square miles, covering the south end of Choctawhatchee Bay, the East Pass, and stretching miles into the Gulf. Assets included marine vessels, aerial resources, dive teams and ground crews working in unified coordination. More than 40 dives were conducted over the course of the search.
While concluding active operations, the sheriff’s office said it will begin scaling back dedicated resources but deputies will continue to patrol the area as part of regular operations.
- The agency remains committed to supporting Trinity’s family and will continue to respond to any new information that becomes available.
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the agencies and volunteers who supported the search, including:
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- United States Coast Guard
- Eglin Air Force Base
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Alabama Florida Helicopter Patrol
- Destin Fire Department
- North Bay Fire Department
- United Cajun Navy
“It is our sincere and heartfelt hope that Trinity is found and returned to her loved ones,” the sheriff’s office stated. “We know this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for her family and the entire community. Please keep Trinity and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”
3 Responses
We are praying that she is found ❤️ my heart goes out to mom ,we was in destin for a week when this happened. We are from Missouri, praying for her momma ❤️
Some time you have to make it make sense. Were they the only people out in the ocean on the boat? Why didn’t the two boys have on life vest but the one child who did got swept up but a wave? I know accidents happen but insurance policy and accidental death awards big. No to mention these go fund me and other things out here in sympathy. This poor baby Rest Well!
I think you should do a bit more research. Google where the family has spoken about the facts of this case. No one has life jackets on. They were in a smaller area, and I’m sure the fellas in the boat feel enough heart break regarding Trinity, although they were still able to save 2. With the conditions and all the other circumstances that day it could have been so very much worse. Let’s just pray for peace for the family however they may be able to get it rn!