Incident # 21-08133 - Fire-Rescue, the Sheriff's Office and DNR units responded to the Chehaw River off of Wiggins Road near Tilly Island for a missing boater Friday evening at 18:18. Another boater reported seeing an empty boat in the marsh with no one around it just before dusk. 9-1-1 Operators eventually found some family members who verified the occupant of the vessel. Law Enforcement discovered the boat was not running, but the throttle was still engaged. The three responding agencies put several boats in the water and searched the dark waters north and south of Chehaw Landing for over five hours. Searchers used lighting, thermal imaging equipment and side scanning sonar during the search. The Coast Guard was requested and responded a helicopter who aided in the search. No one was located Friday evening. Units returned Saturday morning and again Sunday to continue searching. DNR had one of their planes flying search patterns in the area Saturday and Sunday and DNR placed divers, using dry suits, in different locations both days while the other agencies patrolled the Chehaw River and the many adjacent canals. A pair of glasses were found that were thought to belong to the boat's operator. A portion of Tilly Island and several smaller islands in the area were also searched on foot. The search Command Post is at the Chehaw Landing off of Wiggins Road. Several local residents brought food, bottled water and fire wood for responders, which was greatly appreciated. Responders will return Monday to continue searching for the man.
Engine 6, Medic 6, Medic 13, Dive 1, Marine 1, Brush 2, Brush 6, Battalion 1, Car 105, Car 112 responded. Battalion Chiefs Chris Jones & Scott O'Quinn, Captain Joseph Holmes and Deputy Chief David Green served as Incident Commanders during the different operational periods. .
