NORTHEAST FORSYTH (Updated at 11:45 a.m.) — The Forsyth County Fire Department’s dive team has begun searching Lake Lanier off the shore of Two Mile Creek Park in an effort to find as many as three young people who are unaccounted for after authorities busted a party early this morning.
According to Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers, a sheriff’s deputy patrolling the area encountered a group of at least 20 who were partying in a remote, unpaved section of the park, which is on a lake peninsula in northeast Forsyth.
The group, who authorities say ranged in age from teenagers to early 20s, scattered when the deputy arrived.
The deputy was able to detain some of the party-goers, but heard others jump in the water.
A marine unit from the sheriff’s office, which happened to be in the area, conducted an initial search on — but not in — the water.
As of 10 a.m., at least three people’s whereabouts are unknown. That was down from hours earlier, when five were believed to be missing.
According to Shivers, they have tried “multiple avenues” to contact the three, whose names have not been released.
“Our fear is they are in Lake Lanier,” he said.
It is also possible that the people emerged from the water and left the park on foot or by a vehicle parked nearby, according to Shivers.
Divers and boats equipped with sonar will be used in the water search.
No arrests have been made in connection with the party, as authorities continue to sort out the situation.
Check back for updates at forsythnews.com.