Local emergency officials have released new details about the Saturday search for two men who were believed to be missing on the Chattahoochee River.
As Now Habersham first reported, the men were reported missing after failing to return to their designated take-out point after floating on the river with friends. The initial report from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said they were kayaking. White County Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett reports they were tubing.
According to Barrett, White County E-911 received a call at 7:09 p.m. on August 16 stating the two had not returned to their party after tubing between Highway 115 East and Duncan Bridge Road. Their companions told dispatchers they waited about 45 minutes for the men to return before calling for help.
By 7:21 p.m., searchers located personal belongings along the river, said Barrett. That discovery prompted a full-scale response involving multiple agencies across the region.
Search and response
White County Emergency Management coordinated the search. The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and Habersham Emergency Services were notified and assisted in searching along the Habersham side of the river. The Baldwin Police Department joined in the efforts.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Georgia State Patrol Aviation provided air and ground support. White County Fire Services issued an alert requesting swiftwater rescue personnel, while Hall County Fire Rescue and the Gainesville Fire Department were notified and placed on standby.
Crews established an Incident Command Post at Wildwood Outfitters, which also provided guides to assist with river searches.
Safe resolution
At approximately 9:14 p.m., family members of one of the missing men received word that both men were safe at a residence in Cleveland. Cleveland Police quickly confirmed their well-being, allowing officials to call off the search.
Though the men were not customers of Wildwood Outfitters, Barrett said “the company and its guides played an essential role in search efforts and assisting first responders.”
In a statement, White County Public Safety expressed thanks to Wildwood and all who responded, including off-duty first responders who reported to the scene. “Most importantly, we are thankful for the safe outcome in an incident that could have been much worse,” officials said.
