A search for a missing kayaker continues today as several law enforcement, fire services and other departments join together in the efforts.
The search was ongoing as of 4 p.m., with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services crews, Johns Creek Fire Department, Forsyth County’s Dive Team, US National Park Service, Georgia Department of National Resources, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Suwanee Police Department assisting in the search.
Crews with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services initially responded at 1:23 a.m. to a location on the Chattahoochee River to a report that a kayaker had gone missing. Forsyth County’s swiftwater rescue team was in the water and had located the kayak but requested assistance from Gwinnett County due to the location where the kayak was found.
Gwinnett’s Swiftwater 14 entered the river at the McGinnis Ferry boat ramp. While a request for assistance was made to Air 1, the crew was unable to locate a victim while using infrared. The team’s spotlight was not in operation at the time.
According to Lt. Donald Strother with Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services, attempts to retrieve a rope attached to the kayak failed and operations were moved to the riverbank. The search was discontinued as fog conditions created low visibility and the command decision was made at 3:30 a.m. to restart the search during daylight hours.
Gwinnett Swiftwater Rescue Technicians headed back to the Chattahoochee River and reentered the water at about 8:30 a.m. The search has continued throughout the day.
