Search Crews locate body of Thomas Hill

After 13 days of operations, search crews have relocated the body of Thomas Hill who fell from a raft on June 19 on the Chattooga River. Crews initially located Hill on June 20, but river currents moved the body from its original location. “We have located Mr. Hill’s body deep in the Sockem-Dog rapid,” said Incident Commander Marty Dixon. “Unfortunately, rains from Sunday caused river flows to rise above safe operating levels on Monday. We hope to start again Tuesday morning to recover Mr. Hill and return him home to his family.” Nine members of Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force 7, from Atlanta Fire-Rescue assisted personnel from Oconee and Rabun counties in Monday’s discovery.  These responders were able to use sonar equipment to locate Mr. Hill with a high degree of confidence. “Unfortunately, we were not able to deploy a recovery effort due to the rising water levels from ongoing thunderstorms,” said Dixon. “We feel confident that Mr. Hill will be in the same place on Tuesday.” If river flows remain at a safe level, operations will resume Tuesday morning. Ten members of the South Carolina Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1, from Columbia, S.C. will join the effort today.