Family of Missing Triathelete Asks Coastal Residents to Keep Watch

The family of Stas Antons haven’t given up on the search for the father, husband, brother and friend to many who disappeared in the waters near Barrington Town Beach last week.

With heavy hearts and open eyes, the family, along with help from volunteers with New England Search and Rescue, have continued to search Narragansett bay for any sign of the accomplished triathlete and Barrington businessman, who comes from a long line of strong siblings, both in will and in frame.

“They’re really strong,” said Joan Wallack, Antons’ aunt.

A sister-in-law is a veterinary surgeon who had possession of a tracking dog and has come from Virginia to help. A family friend is doing a tide charts to help the search teams keep track of the best places to look each day. One of his brothers is a Navy SEAL, others are strong athletes.

“This is a family that sort of lives and breathes perseverence and dedication,” Wallack said.

As the search goes on, the family is asking residents all along Narragansett Bay to keep watch. Though many have scoured the coast, including rocky and marshy areas, particularly near where Antons’ boat was found empty in Barrington, much of the search area is privately-owned land.

“People are trying to be hopeful,” Wallack said. “It’s important to be vigilant in terms of monitoring the shorelines and estuaries on both the East Bay and the West Bay.”

Residents near Rocky Point, Conimicut Point, Duck Cove in North Kingstown and areas near there are asked to keep an eye out as well.

A blue tent on the end of Barrington Town Beach has been used as a staging area every day and there usually is a family member there. Food has been sent daily so people who want to help and walk along are given something for their efforts.

The family is immersed in the search effort, which has served as a bit of a distraction during this impossibly difficult time. Wallack said they can’t imagine Antons would have vanished on purpose.

“All of his personal affairs are intact,” Wallack said. “This is a man who bought a new shed for his house the day before and had it installed. This is not someone who walked away from his life.”

Photo courtesy: University of Rhode Island