Panama Plane Crash: Waukesha Father Returns To Wisconsin

WAUKESHA, WI—A Waukesha man injured in a plane crash in Panama is returning home to Wisconsin on Thursday as the search continues for his wife.

Four people and a pilot were on a private plane that crashed off the coast of Panama on Jan. 3, including Deb and Anthony Velleman of Waukesha and Sue Borries, 57, of Teutopolis, Illinois. The Vellemans were celebrating the New Year's weekend on the island of Contadora.

Anthony Velleman was one of three people rescued after the crash. His wife, Deb Velleman, is still missing. Borries is also missing.

Anthony Velleman will need months of intensive medical attention, Albert Lewitinn, a Velleman family spokesperson, told Patch.

Two families searching for missing loved ones in Panama said the United States government "doesn't have assets to deploy" in the search, according to a joint statement.

Despite pressure by Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, the U.S. Government continues to refuse to aid in the search for the missing Americans, Lewitinn said.

"The U.S. Coast Guard is saddened by the tragic accident off the coast of Panama. Our Search and Rescue experts assisted Panama by completing a surface drift analysis and providing probable search areas to help find the location of the passengers and submerged aircraft. U.S. Coast Guard cutters operating in the region do not have the capability to conduct underwater searches," Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, chief of media relations, U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement to Patch.

Anthony and Deb Velleman's son will appear on CNN Thursday afternoon to discuss the situation.

In response to Patch's request for comment, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs previously issued the following statement.

"The Department has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We are aware of the situation and are providing consular assistance. At this point, we can confirm four U.S. citizens were on board a plane that went down in the ocean near Chame on January 3. Two were found and have received consular assistance. We appreciate Panamanian authorities' cooperation in search and rescue operations to find the two missing persons," a State Department Official said.

The Vellemans' sons, Josh and Jake Velleman, told Patch the family is frustrated.

The Velleman sons said they won't have closure until they find their mother, they said.

"If you are in a position to assist through your professional office, connection to a relevant office, and/or are willing to reach out to your congressional representatives, your advocacy on behalf of our families will be sincerely appreciated," Jake Velleman said.