First responders proceed seek for lacking man on Pee Dee River

ROCKINGHAM — A determined seek for man lacking on the Pee Dee River enters its third full day.

In response to emergency personnel, Mark O’Neal went fishing on Saturday together with his canine however by no means returned. Emergency companies and rescue crews have since searched the Pee Dee River with little success.

Richmond County Director of Emergency Companies Bob Smith stated authorities initiated their search round 9 p.m. on Saturday night however needed to halt attributable to inclement climate over the late evening and early morning hours. Boat and rescue crews had been in a position to resume Sunday morning round 8:00 a.m. and have been ongoing since.

In response to Smith, the sufferer launched his boat on the Blewett Falls Dam, about 4 miles upstream from the HWY 74 boat touchdown. O’Neal’s canine was recovered however he and his boat have but to be discovered.

Rescue crews from 4 counties have traversed the Pee Dee from Blewett Falls to the Cheraw Dam twice. On Tuesday afternoon, groups had been deploying submersible robots and sonar to assist of their efforts whereas zodiacs from Richmond and Union counties continued to probe the river.

Bob Smith had excessive reward for all of the emergency service personnel by way of their efforts. “These guys have pushed exhausting, I’m very happy with our responders. If it wasn’t for them, we may by no means pull this off. They’re the true unrecognized heroes,” Smith stated,

Smith lauded the collaborative effort from all these concerned, stating that the organizations keep a optimistic mutual assist settlement, as they tirelessly proceed the search.

This can be a growing story.