Two 19-year-olds were located safe and sound early Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, after an extensive overnight search effort on the Ogeechee River, bringing relief to family and rescuers.
The Bulloch County Sheriff's Office received a report around 9:08 p.m. Saturday night that the pair had gone missing. According to the report, the teenagers were expected to return to the River Retreat boat ramp earlier that afternoon but never showed up. Attempts to contact them via phone were unsuccessful.
Concerned citizens quickly mobilized, launching their own boats to search the stretch of river between the River Retreat ramp and GoBar Landing. Official search crews from the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) soon joined the effort with their vessels. Air support was also called in, with the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit dispatched from Perry, GA, to assist in locating the missing boaters.
The search continued through the night until approximately 4:45 a.m. Sunday, when the two individuals were found by private citizens involved in the search. They were brought back to the boat ramp without injury.
Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown extended his sincere thanks to all the responding agencies, including the DNR and GSP Aviation, for their coordinated efforts. He also specifically commended the private citizens whose assistance proved vital in the successful outcome of the search and rescue operation.
As warmer weather signals the beginning of boating season, Sheriff Brown used the occasion to remind residents of the importance of water safety. He urged all boaters to follow safety regulations and stressed the critical need to ensure cell phones remain charged in case of emergencies while on the water. "Stay safe on the water!" the Sheriff's message concluded.
