Recovery Crews searching New Location

Yesterday crews on the Chattooga River discovered a new area underneath Sockem-Dog Rapid that even some river guides did not know existed.  Incident Commander Buck Haney said, “This is a brand new area for the search team to explore so we’re going back there with cameras today.” Two new search dogs from Georgia will also join the effort today. Last night, many members of the local recovery team attended a prayer vigil at Long Creek Baptist Church. On behalf of the Incident Team that is starting day ten in efforts to rescue and recover Mr. Hill, U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Michelle Burnett thanked the community for its support. “Since we arrived, the people of Oconee County and the Long Creek community has welcomed us with open arms and have stepped up and provided support beyond measure,” said Burnett. “We have felt the prayers of many during this event, but this public display of support goes above and beyond anything we could have ever envisioned.” Members of the Hill family visited the recovery site and attended the prayer vigil yesterday. The U.S. Forest Service is asking all paddlers to take their craft out of the river and walk around Sockem-Dog Rapid today to allow the search crew to work without interruption.