Search for missing worker in Savannah River now ‘recovery’ mission

Authorities searched for hours Wednesday to find a missing construction worker in the Savannah River.

Credit: Savannah Fire Rescue

Credit: Savannah Fire Rescue

Authorities searched for hours Wednesday to find a missing construction worker in the Savannah River.

The search continues Thursday for a construction worker who fell into the Savannah River on Wednesday afternoon. However, authorities are now calling it a recovery mission.

Two workers fell into the river near the Garden City Terminal about 1 p.m. Wednesday. One was pulled from the water, but rescue crews worked through the afternoon to search for the other underneath a barge.

On Thursday, Savannah Fire and Rescue told news station WJCL that the search has become a recovery mission.

In a previous statement, the Georgia Ports Authority said the workers were contracted to make dock renovations.

“Georgia Ports Authority would like to express its sincere concern for the well-being of the two men involved in the accident,” the agency said.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is assisting the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the search for the worker Thursday, along with rescue teams with the U.S. Coast Guard and other local agencies.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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