4 people rescued from Cape Fear River, search continues for 5th boater

LEE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The search for one missing boater on the Cape Fear River resumed on Saturday with multiple agencies across the Triangle joining in.

Officials said four of the five people reported missing were found and are expected to be okay.

"The water was rough yesterday afternoon," Lee County emergency management director Matthew Britt said. "As they made it approximately a half mile down river from the boat launch, they encountered some very rough current, and that led to all of the boaters entering the water."

Britt said 60 people, including K9s, helped with the search Friday afternoon, scouring more than 320 acres along the river and wooded area.

Cape Fear Fire Chief Josh Billings said they're searching below the dam at Lett's Landing on Buckhorn Road. However, recent rain has made the search effort difficult.

"Things that were exposed before, such as rocks, are now covered up so it definitely makes it harder," Billings said. "The water is up five to seven feet ... that's why they're all in boats."

Officials said no one was found Saturday and a final search will happen Sunday morning.

"It's always tragic any time there's a potential hazard to our citizens," Britt said. "We strive to train to the highest level possible so we can provide the best assistance to the citizens of Lee County and our surrounding jurisdictions."