Searchers were back on the water at 8 a.m. today searching for Jeb Baldwin.
The youth was kayaking with two friends when they hit rough water Sunday. Baldwin’s two companions were rescued after around an hour in the water.
Baldwin was reportedly wearing a heavy coat and boots, but no personal flotation device. His two companions were treated for hypothermia.
A helicopter from the N.C. Highway Patrol deployed as part of the search late Sunday afternoon. Whiteville Emergency Services also flew several drone missions. Shoreside residents also began checking their properties when word of the search spread through social media, while some families were enjoying Mother’s Day.
While emergency officials haven’t released Baldwin’s name, multiple private sources and social media posts identified the well-known teen. State Parks Spokesman Katie Hall said Sunday evening that the search had shifted from rescue to recovery operations.
Hall said that four boats are on the water today, using side scanning sonar. Two helicopters are being deployed as well as underwater drone equipment. Smaller boats are being used to systematically check every pier and along the shoreline.
Assisting agencies include the Wildlife Resources Commission, Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue, Lake Waccamaw Station 30, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Bladen County/White Lake Water Rescue, Acme Delco Rescue, N.C. Highway Patrol, Columbus County Emergency Management, and N.C. State Parks.
Mayor Matt Wilson has asked boaters to stay off the lake during the search.
