Recovery efforts resume

Workers search for a Florida man who fell off a raft Wednesday on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.

Recovery efforts for the body of Florida resident Thomas Patrick Hill resume at 7 o’clock this morning on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. Scott Loftis, incident commander for the recovery, said, “Our hearts go out to Mr. Hill’s family….We know this is a very difficult time for them.” The efforts resume at 7 for up to 12 hours and will take place by land and boat. Water-based operations may be possible depending on weather and if the river’s flow fell during the night. Loftis expressed confidence the recovery is taking place in the right area. Those operations include 15 swiftwater operators from Anderson, as well as Oconee and Pickens counties in South Carolina. Eight-based rope technicians are coming from Rabun County, Georgia, the state of Georgia and Georgia Search and Rescue. Forest Service personnel will provide on-river and land-based support.