PRESS RELEASE – At 7:09 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, White County E911 Communications received a call reporting two individuals missing while tubing on the Chattahoochee River between Highway 115 East and Duncan Bridge Road.

Members of their party stated they had been waiting for approximately 45 minutes before notifying 911.

At 7:21 p.m., personal belongings of the missing individuals were located along the river.

Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and Habersham Emergency Services were notified and assisted in searching along the Habersham side of the river.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources was notified and Georgia State Patrol Aviation responded to assist with arial search operations.

Baldwin Police Department joined in the efforts, and White County Fire Services issued a department alert requesting swiftwater rescue personnel.

White County Emergency Management responded to the scene to manage resources and assist in incident coordination.

Hall County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Department were notified and placed on standby in case their resources were needed.

At 9:14 p.m., family members of one of the missing individuals received information that both subjects were back at a residence in Cleveland.

Cleveland Police Department quickly confirmed the individuals’ wellbeing.

Though the missing individuals were not customers of Wildwood Outfitters, the company’s guides played an essential role in search efforts and assisting first responders.

Wildwood Outfitters also made their facility available to serve as the Incident Command Post. White County Public Safety extends its gratitude for their support.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our local, regional, and state partners who responded or stood ready to assist, as well as to the off-duty first responders who reported to the scene.

Most importantly, we are thankful for the safe outcome in an incident that could have been much worse.