Boaters Rescued After Vessel Takes on Water on Lake Hartwell

HART COUNTY, Ga. — Several people were safely rescued Sunday evening after a boat began taking on water on Lake Hartwell, prompting a response from local and state authorities.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched just after 7 p.m. on June 7 following reports of a vessel in distress with multiple occupants onboard.

Deputies and investigators responded by boat, alongside rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and were able to locate the vessel and make contact with those aboard.

Authorities later clarified that while the boat was taking on water, it did not sink. Responding personnel were able to return the vessel to its original location on the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell.

All occupants were safely transported back to the South Carolina campground where they had launched earlier in the day. No injuries were reported.

Sheriff Chris Carroll thanked the agencies involved for their coordinated response and assistance in ensuring a safe outcome.

The incident remains under review, and no additional information has been released.