On Saturday, Goldsboro Fire Department Water Rescue was dispatched to a call involving a missing kayaker on the Neuse River. The Goldsboro Fire Department arrived to Old Waynesborough Park, launched a water rescue team, and located one individual in the water. The individual reported that he launched the kayak with a friend with plans to retrieve the kayak at the Wildlife Boat Ramp off 117 South near Mar-Mac. The individuals had been in the kayak for approximately 15 minutes when the friend had difficulties and fell into the water. A rescue was attempted by the survivor, but he lost grip on the friend who went under water and has not been seen since.

Arr-Mac Water Response, NC Wildlife, and the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the scene to assist the Goldsboro Fire Department and a search was initiated. The search was called off at dark and resumed today. The search continues at this time with high water conditions, strong currents, and debris in the water due to recent rains across the state.

The missing individual is 34-year-old Derrick Wooten. Wooten is a black male and was last seen wearing a blue shirt and khaki shorts. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to call 911 if they have any information that could assist in this search.