Report: Authorities Plan Extensive Search in Aruba

Aruban authorities announced plans Tuesday to search for remains or other evidence in the case of a North Bethesda woman who went missing on the island Aug. 2, according to an AP report.

Robyn Gardner, 35, was reported missing by her traveling companion, 50-year-old Gaithersburg businessman Gary V. Giordano. Giordano, who told authorities Gardner went missing while the two were on a snorkeling excursion, is in connection with Gardner's disappearance. 

Since his arrest, allegations of domestic abuse have surfaced against Giordano. His lawyer has insisted his client is innocent. Giordano has not been charged with a crime.

Tuesday, the AP reported that Aruban authorities are planning to search the island for Gardner's remains or other evidence that could shed light on her disappearance. Aruban authorities have previously stated they are presuming Gardner is dead.  

Aruban Solicitor General Taco Stein told the AP authorities are "trying to put a substantial team together" to conduct the search, which may include police, firefighters and and the military, according to the report.

The search is expected to start later in the week and center around the southern portion of the island, the AP reported.