The search for a missing boater on Lake Allatoona ended after authorities recovered the body of a 28-year-old Lilburn man. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said game wardens, assisted by Bartow County Fire/Rescue, located the body of Fidel Ojwang in about 60 feet of water near Glade Marina. Crews used boat-mounted sonar equipment during the search, which began Sunday afternoon.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 12:49 p.m. Sunday when Ojwang entered the water from the back of a ski boat. He went underwater and did not resurface, prompting an immediate search by emergency responders.
Multiple agencies searched the area throughout Sunday and continued efforts overnight, bringing in additional personnel and specialized equipment to assist in the recovery operation.
Following the recovery, the investigation was turned over to the Bartow County Coroner’s Office.
The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of practicing water safety while boating and enjoying Georgia’s lakes. State law requires children younger than 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while aboard a vessel unless they are inside a fully enclosed cabin. Boats must also carry a properly sized life jacket for every passenger.
Safety officials also encourage boaters to have a sober operator at the helm, use a designated spotter when towing skiers or tubers, and remain aware of changing conditions on the water. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning.
