Allow families to find a missing loved one to finally mourn, without asking for anything in exchange. This is the mission given to a group of American divers, members of “Adventures with purpose” (or in French “Adventure with a goal”). The association recently helped resolve two cases of disappearances in Adour, in the Basque Country, the gendarmerie announced on Wednesday July 22, 2026.
The first victim, found at the bottom of the river in his vehicle, is David Stévenin, who disappeared in 2018 at the age of 29 after an argument with the person who hosted him for the night. Divers also located the vehicle of Joëlle Pouy, 68, who disappeared in 2017 while going to an appointment for medical tests. His disappearance was never elucidated, to the point that certain members of his family had been suspected.
From decontamination to the search for missing people
These two discoveries bring to 42 the number of “cold cases” solved by the team since its creation in 2019. At the origin of the project are Jared Leisek and Doug Bishop, two professional divers specializing in the decontamination of waterways. Their activity took an unexpected turn after the chance discovery of the bodies of two people missing in submerged vehicles. They then decided to devote their skills to searching for missing people.
Today, professionals use sonar that allows them to map and locate objects underwater. When a target is identified, the team attaches a magnet to the vehicle and signals it using a buoy. Divers then go down to take the license plate and check if a body is inside.
One of the creators accused of rape
The association was, however, marred by legal disputes. In 2023, its founder Jared Leisek was indicted for rape of a minor relating to facts dating from 1992, when he was 17 years old, against a 9-year-old cousin. This affair led Doug Bishop to leave the organization in order to pursue a similar activity of his own.
Despite this controversy, Adventures with purpose continued its activity. To guide their missions, divers rely on Map the missing, an interactive map launched in 2022 which lists people missing after taking their vehicle. More than 900 cases are currently listed there, although its creators estimate that the real number could be much higher. Joëlle Pouy, for example, did not appear there, unlike David Stévenin. It was her family who appealed to the divers via their social networks.
Interventions financed by YouTube revenues
Now made up of four members, the team films each of its interventions and broadcasts them on YouTube. “We get a cent for each view, so we have the money to help families without charging them,” explains Jared Leisek. With 3.6 million subscribers and millions of views, the channel generates the majority of resources needed for its shipments.
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Added to the revenue are donations and the sale of derivative products, such as the window breaker tool sold on the association’s website and which allows you to break your car window if it falls into the water. The group of Americans even offers tutorials, which look like survival guides.
