Rabun County Responders Join Oconee to search for missing Teenagers

From Oconee County Search and Rescue:

Shortly after 11 pm on Monday evening, our 911 center received a call from family members reporting four teenagers missing on the Chattooga River. Family stated the four males had left out early in the day to kayak section 3 of the river and had not returned home.

During the night, responders from Oconee County and Rabun County, Ga. were able to locate their vehicles at the drop off points, confirming they were still on or near the river. At first light this morning, the Oconee Sheriffs Office helicopter, Ranger 1, was able to fly the area and locate the party of four on the bank of the river near the Fall Creek area. They appear to ok and are now making progress downriver. Rescue teams are both hiking nearby trails and paddling the river in an attempt to reach the party to assure their safety. At this time, we believe the boaters are not in distress only delayed due to low water on the river.