Four victims found after speedboat overturns on Lake Lanier
HALL COUNTY, Ga. - Rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the bodies of the remaining two people missing after a boating accident Friday on Lake Lanier were recovered overnight Sunday.
Authorities said 46-year-old Arthur Gene McMahan of Mount Washington, KY and 44-year-old Anthony Reese of Columbia, KY were located in about 90 feet of water with DNR sonar equipment.
Searchers first found two other bodies in Lake Lanier early Saturday after a speedboat overturned Friday afternoon on Lake Lanier.
Search crews used sonar to locate the bodies of 45-year-old Melissa Renee McMahan of Mount Washington, KY and 44-year-old Tammy Reece of Columbia, KY.
A team of investigators is looking into the cause of the accident. Authorities say the investigation will likely take several weeks to complete.
Major Stephen Adams with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division said emergency crews found the 38-foot Tunnel Hull racing vessel just west of Cocktail Cove after receiving a 911 call Friday. There were no signs of a pilot or passengers in the immediate area.
A dive team with the Hall County Fire Department searched the area until their supplies at the scene ran out, according to Major Adams. Additional divers with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office were brought in to take over the search.
A witness told investigators that the boat was traveling south on the lake when it encountered a wake and overturned. Rescuers found the boat partially submerged. Investigators are looking into whether speed was a factor in the accident.
Major Adams said authorities believe the boat was in town for the annual Pirates of Lanier Poker Run on Saturday.