Deputies, AGFC agents searching for missing boater

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - Search crews are combing a Lawrence County wilderness area, looking for a man who disappeared after falling off a boat.

Chief Deputy Tony Waldrupe said the 21-year-old man and his friend were at the Shirey Bay Rainey Break WMA boat ramp near Alicia Saturday evening when he fell overboard.

The man’s friend then called 911 for help.

Since then, Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers, and the Randolph County Dive Team have been searching for the man who has not yet been identified.

Waldrupe, the outpouring from the community has been immense.

“It’s a tight-knit community here,” he said Sunday. “Each one has each other’s back.”

Waldrupe said neighbors had brought supplies and boats to assist the searchers.

“They’ve been here to provide comfort to the family that’s here on the scene, as well,” he added.

Perry Hutton with the Lawrence County Office of Emergency Management said crews continuously work to find the man.

He tells Region 8 News that all equipment is being used in the search.

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