By: Shannon Hegy

CHARLEMONT, Mass. (abc40) -- The sun was finally shining Monday as crews began their third day of searching for 18-year-old Shanara Henry.  She was tubing on the Deerfield River in Charlemont on Saturday when her float flipped over.

With the weather finally cooperating, the state police air wing was able to join the mission for the first time since the search began.

"It's allowed us to get a better visual of the whole river from up here to all the way down into the Buckland area," said Massachusetts State Police Lt. Michael Habel.

With help flying overhead, state police k-9 units and environmental police where able to concentrate their efforts on the sides of the river, although officials say all the rain we've had this summer is hindering the mission.

"The water's so high it's getting into the tree levels on the side, which is making it a little difficult on the banks of the river," said Habel.

With binoculars in hand, Shanara Henry's family also joined in the search, traveling on Zoar road along the river and searching the banks, positivity and hope keeping them going.

"She's a survivor," said Henry's aunt, Audrey Cunningham.  "She's strong."

"I'm just hopeful that maybe she's out there and time is of the essence," said Henry's uncle, Basil Henry.  "I don't know what to think at this point."

Crews are searching a nine and a half mile stretch of the Deerfield River, starting from where Henry was last seen.  Officials say her float flipped over just five minutes into the ride.  State police dive teams have not been able to join the mission because of the high and fast moving water.

Despite the fact that the search has been going on for nearly three days, state police continue to call it a rescue mission.