Search continues for a man in the Cape Fear River

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Crews are still searching for a man they say jumped into the Cape Fear River Thursday night.

According to Battalion Chief Tim Smith, witnesses said they saw a white man jump into the river and start to float up the river toward the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence before losing sight of him.

Smith said the current was strong, moving at about 9 to 12 knots, making the Cape Fear potentially deadly.

“If you don’t have to get into this river, do not jump in,” Smith said. “It’s nothing to play with. This current will take you down the river or up the river, and it’s not a good outcome.”

The Wilmington Fire Department, police department, and the New Hanover County Fire and Rescue have been searching on and off since last night for the man.They even had a SABLE helicopter searching the water.