After a boater was found dead in the Ross Barnett Reservoir over the weekend, a cash reward is being offered for the safe return of his beloved pet bird.
Steve Cermak, better known around the reservoir community as “Scuba Steve,” suffered a medical emergency on Saturday night near the tower in Brandon and was pronounced dead on the scene. However, authorities noted that his pet bird, Buddy the cockatoo, was nowhere to be found.
As Cermak’s family members continue to ask the public for help finding Buddy, a local marina has stepped in with a cash reward. Main Harbor Marina in Ridgeland is offering $500 for any information leading to the safe return of Buddy.
“Main Harbor Marina shares in the outpouring of sympathy at the passing of one of the Reservoir’s most cherished fixtures, ‘Scuba Steve’ Cermak,” a press release from Main Harbor Marina reads. “If you know anything about Scuba Steve, you know that his faithful companion is a cockatoo named Buddy. There has been a huge response from Reservoir officials, Scuba Steve’s friends, and other volunteers searching for Buddy.
“While several area residents know the story of Buddy, there may be someone out there who has found Buddy in the Reservoir area and does not know his history. Scuba Steve’s family is anxious to have him returned.”
If have any information regarding the whereabouts of Buddy, Main Harbor Marina urges tips to be turned in to Reservoir Police at (601)992-9894.
