Search and rescue teams scouring the Mobile-Tensaw Delta for two missing Baldwin County hunters have uncovered a boat paddle that belonged to the two men about one mile south on the Tensaw River from where the canoe was found Sunday.

“We are still operating in a rescue and recovery mode—both modes simultaneously—but we have also expanded the search to include side-scan sonar that allows us to search the bottom (of the river) for clues,” said Matt Burton, a spokesman for the North Baldwin Sheriff's Search and Rescue squad.

Alan Clemmons, 29, and Jason Brown, 23, both from the Hurricane Bayou community north of Bromley, were last seen about 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Gravine Island in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Burton said.

Tuesday’s weather did not hinder the search to the degree expected, Burton said, with as many as 40 people registering officially to help with the search and more than 20 boats combing the area.

Burton said the paddle and its location will provide invaluable clues as the search resumes at 8 a.m.

“We’re still holding out hope they’re OK, and we’ll be out here tomorrow,” Burton said.

The canoe, found at Cloverleaf Landing around 5 p.m. Sunday, was nearly two miles south of Gravine Island.

The Alabama Marine Police, U.S. Coast Guard, Mobile Sheriff's Flotilla, Daphne Search and Rescue Squad and several individuals have assisted in the search.