Search continues for Missing Rafter on Chattooga

The search for a missing rafter on the Chattooga River has entered its fifth day. On Sunday, four divers from Oconee and Pickens counties joined the recovery crew, which also includes 18-trained responders from Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Rabun and White counties. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is providing air support and six commercial river guides and U.S. Forest Service personnel are aiding in the efforts.  The crew is focusing efforts in calmer waters below Five Falls. Including Sunday’s efforts, 216 personnel have been involved in the recovery operation. Thomas Patrick Hill, of Florida, went missing Wednesday on the Chattooga River during a rafting trip with his company, Sherwin Williams. The swift currents and dangerous rapids of the river have hampered rescue and recovery efforts since then.