Search Continues for Missing Bryan County Construction Worker

Search teams conducting operations along the river

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News Summary

The search for Jose Tilo Hernandez Garcia, a missing construction worker in Bryan County, enters its second week. Recovery efforts involve multiple agencies, including dive teams and the coast guard, while community members offer support. Hope remains as cadaver dogs assist in locating Garcia, who fell into the Ogeechee River.

Search Continues for Missing Bryan County Construction Worker

Tension Rises as Recovery Efforts Forge On

The community of Bryan County is gripped by uncertainty as search and recovery operations persist for **Jose Tilo Hernandez Garcia**, a 55-year-old construction worker who went missing after falling into the Ogeechee River on Monday, April 7. Garcia’s disappearance has ignited a wave of concern and distress among family members, friends, colleagues, and residents, who have come together to support a search effort that has now entered its second week.

Garcia was reportedly working on the southbound side of the I-95 bridge when he fell into the turbulent waters below. An initial report from the Bryan County 911 Center indicated that Garcia was in distress, struggling to stay afloat and unable to swim. Eyewitnesses further revealed alarming details, including seeing Garcia drifting with the current towards the southeast beneath the northbound span of the bridge, heightening the urgency of the rescue operations.

Comprehensive Search Efforts Launched

In the wake of this tragic incident, an extensive search has been orchestrated by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), with the involvement of multiple agencies ensuring maximum resources and personnel are utilized. These efforts include contributions from the **BCSO Marine Unit**, **Richmond Hill Police Department (RHPD)**, **Richmond Hill Fire Department (RHFD)**, **Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR)**, and even the **United States Coast Guard**, which is providing helicopter surveillance and support.

Search strategies have been multi-faceted, involving the deployment of dive teams, the use of sonar technology, and the assistance of specialized **cadaver dogs**. In a promising development, one such dog alerted searchers to a specific area of interest along the river, offering a glimmer of hope in a situation that continues to be complicated by rapidly flowing waters. Efforts to locate Garcia are hampered by strong river currents, as well as a water temperature hovering around 60 degrees, which can impact the rate of decomposition and hinder the discovery of a body.

Local Support and Community Involvement

Emotional support is pouring in from the community as family members of Garcia participate actively in the search operations. Many community members have rallied around the cause, even renting jet skis to scan the waters in hopes of finding their missing loved one. A **GoFundMe** campaign has been established to provide financial assistance to Garcia’s family during this exceptionally challenging time, as they grapple with the emotional toll of his disappearance.

The Savannah/Chatham dive team has voiced confidence in their ability to determine the area where Garcia may be located, igniting a renewed fervor in the ongoing search efforts. Cadaver dog **Silas** has become a pivotal part of the operations, alerting searchers near the I-95 bridge, which has further emphasized and refined the focus of the search area.

Ongoing Commitment to Recovery

Authorities have assured the public that search efforts will continue throughout the week, maintaining a persistent presence on the water until Garcia is either located or conditions dictate a change in operations. BCSO has indicated plans to utilize additional **cadaver dogs** if the need arises, underscoring their commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the quest for closure for Garcia’s family.

As the search continues, the emotional strain on those involved is palpable. Family members, alongside community volunteers and emergency responders, are keeping hope alive against a backdrop of uncertainty. Until the moment Garcia is found, Bryan County remains united, determined to support the search, while holding onto the hope of a successful and safe recovery.