Search Continues for Possible Drowning Victim at Lake Hartwell
Authorities in Hart County, Georgia, continued searching Sunday for a male believed to have drowned in Lake Hartwell after an incident reported Saturday evening near the end of Ridge Road.
The search has focused on the area near the Mega Ramp, where emergency crews were first called.
911 Call Reported Possible Drowning
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office said Hart County 911 received a call shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday about a possible drowning on Lake Hartwell.
Deputies responded to the scene along with Hart County EMS, the Hart County Emergency Management Agency, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Elbert County Emergency Management Agency also joined the search effort.
Crews Use Sonar Technology
Officials said search teams spent Saturday evening checking the area with boats equipped with sonar technology.
Vessels from the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County EMA, Elbert County EMA, and Georgia DNR were involved in the operation as crews worked to locate the missing person.
Search efforts resumed Sunday morning, with authorities continuing to use boat-mounted sonar and other available resources.
Boaters Asked to Avoid Search Area
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone on the water near the Mega Ramp to use caution and stay away from emergency boats and flashing lights.
Officials said keeping a safe distance will help search crews operate safely and effectively while the recovery effort continues.
Victim’s Identity Not Released
Authorities have not released the identity or age of the possible drowning victim.
Officials have also not confirmed what circumstances led to the reported drowning.
Sheriff Chris Carroll said authorities are keeping the victim’s family in their thoughts as the search continues.
Emergency crews remain active on Lake Hartwell as they search for a possible drowning victim near the Mega Ramp in Hart County. Multiple agencies are assisting with sonar-equipped boats and other resources, while officials continue urging boaters to avoid the search area. Details about the victim and the circumstances of the incident have not yet been released.