Missing Boater Still Not Found

The search for a missing boater on Lake Hartwell continued Monday afternoon.

Two men were thrown from a 19-foot bass boat by a large wave on the lake shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday and only one of them made it back to the vessel, officials say.

The missing boater is believed to be a 26-year-old man from Anderson, South Carolina.

Anderson County’s Director of Emergency Management Lt. David Baker said the search is being based out of Portman Marina.

Four boats looked for the missing man during the overnight hours and personnel from two county fire stations scoured shorelines, Baker said.

The search resumed Monday morning.

According to Agency Spokesman Greg Lucas, searchers are using sonar equipment to look for the missing boater and a state Department of Natural Resources dive team also has arrived at Portman Marina.

Boat crews are focusing on an area near the bridge on State 24 between the marina and Interstate 85, Baker said.

Water depths in that area exceed 100 feet.

Baker said the rainy weather is not hindering the search; but, he said the search may have to be suspended if storms move into the area.