CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WNCN) – Authorities in Chatham County are searching for two canoers who went missing at Jordan Lake on Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The two missing individuals were last seen entering the water around 5 p.m. Sunday, launching a canoe from the Martha’s Chapel Road canoe access.
Their canoe was found later in the evening, but the boaters remain missing, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said in a Monday news release.
Search efforts resumed early Monday morning, and it's being conducted at Farrington Point Boat Ramp.
“We are doing everything we can to bring these individuals home,” Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said in a statement. “Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time, and we are grateful for the assistance from our neighboring agencies.”
Lee County Emergency Management, the North Chatham Fire Department and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is also assisting with the search, the sheriff’s office said.
Officials said they urge the public to avoid the area near Farrington Point Boat Ramp while emergency crews undergo their search.
Sheriff Roberson posted an update on social media on Monday morning, including pictures of roads covered in storm debris as well as a heavily damaged Amazon Prime truck.
“These are just two examples of flooded or damaged vehicles still in the roadways this morning,” Sheriff Roberson wrote. “Just because the water may have subsided in some areas it is still dangerous to travel in some places.”
“Please slow down and use caution until a full assessment can be done today,” he added. “Crews were overwhelmed last night with rescues and we continue to look for some missing persons this morning.”
This comes after torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Depression Chantal left cities and towns across central North Carolina submerged underwater, affecting several businesses and homes across the region.
