By Associated Press - Friday, June 1, 2018

WATKINSVILLE, Ga. (AP) - Georgia authorities are searching for two teenagers hours after they were reported vanishing in the waters of a swollen creek.

Chief Deputy Lee Weems of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office said an 18-year-old was standing on a dam crossing Barber Creek when he either jumped or fell into the water about 3:45 p.m. Friday. Weems says another 18-year-old man dove in to help him and neither resurfaced.

First responders were still searching as sundown neared Friday. Chances of finding the young men alive seemed dim. Weems said: “It’s going to be a recovery, not a rescue, barring a miracle.”



Oconee County is in northeast Georgia near Athens. The creek flows into the Oconee River. Weems said recent heavy rains have raised its waters near flood stage.

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