MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – Authorities in McIntosh County have initiated a search operation for two boaters who have gone missing near the northern tip of Sapelo Island. This effort involves multiple agencies collaborating to locate the individuals.

Reports from the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office indicate that the two individuals were last seen on Wednesday evening and have been unaccounted for since.

One of the missing boaters has been identified as Roman Waldera, a 52-year-old realtor from Augusta. A post shared on The Austin Rhodes Show’s social media mentioned that Waldera’s family has requested prayers during this challenging time.

The second individual has been identified as John Strickland.

The families of both men were informed on Thursday morning about the situation, learning that the two are believed to be in the water.

Both men were longtime friends who often fished in those waters.

MCSO says the Coast Guard and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are the two agencies handling the search. MCSO is on standby to assist at this time, but is not currently involved in the search.

Anyone with information can contact Chief Deputy Gary Taylor with the MCSO at 912-456-4482.