Search Continues for Drowning Victim on Lake Hartwell

HART COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities continued search efforts Sunday morning for a male victim believed to have drowned Saturday evening on Lake Hartwell near the Mega Ramp at the end of Ridge Road.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County 911 received a call just before 6 p.m. on June 20 regarding a possible drowning on the lake. Deputies responded alongside personnel from Hart County EMS, Hart County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Search efforts resumed Sunday with assistance from multiple agencies, including Elbert County EMA. Officials said crews are utilizing several vessels equipped with boat-mounted sonar technology in an effort to locate the victim.

Resources involved in the search include boats from the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County EMA, Elbert County EMA, and Georgia DNR. Search teams continue to use sonar equipment and other available resources as they work to recover the victim.

Authorities are asking boaters in the area of the Mega Ramp to use caution and remain clear of emergency vessels and active search operations to ensure the safety of first responders and allow the search to continue effectively.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

Sheriff Chris Carroll asked the community to keep the victim’s family and the first responders involved in the search in their thoughts and prayers as recovery efforts continue.

The incident remains under investigation.