Search for Possible Missing Swimmer at Lake James Ends Without Findings

Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to the Paddy’s Creek area of Lake James State Park on Wednesday evening following reports of a possible missing swimmer.

According to officials, the initial report was received by McDowell County Emergency Communications from an off-duty emergency responder from another jurisdiction who was visiting Lake James at the time. The caller reported concerns that someone may have been in distress in the water.

In response, a large-scale search operation was launched involving Burke County EMS, Burke County Rescue Squad, Longtown Fire Department, Nebo Fire Department, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina State Parks, and Burke County Communications Field Comm units.

Search crews quickly deployed boats equipped with sonar technology to the area where the individual was reportedly last seen. Additional personnel searched the shoreline and surrounding cove by foot and vehicle while speaking with visitors in an effort to gather more information.

Authorities said that while several people reported hearing someone shouting, no witnesses were able to confirm the source of the calls for help or provide information that verified a missing person incident.

Sonar-equipped boats operated by Nebo Fire Department and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission conducted an extensive search of the cove and nearby waters. Officials reported that no positive sonar returns were detected, and no individual was located during the operation.

After completing the search, all responding units cleared the scene.

Officials are asking anyone who had a family member, friend, or acquaintance on Lake James Wednesday who has not returned home or cannot be contacted to immediately reach out to Burke County Communications at 828-437-1911 with any information.

The search began after authorities announced around 8:40 p.m. that crews were investigating an unconfirmed report of a missing swimmer in the Paddy’s Creek area of Lake James State Park.