Knoxville Fire Department Scales Back Recovery Efforts for Missing Swimmer at Augusta Quarry

The Knoxville Fire Department has significantly scaled back its recovery efforts for a swimmer who went missing in Augusta Quarry on June 14 after more than 80 hours of intensive searching. Despite coordinated efforts involving the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Blount County Rescue Squad, and the Knoxville Police Department, no trace of the swimmer has been found. The search utilized advanced technology including underwater remotely operated vehicles, sonar, surface boats, and shoreline sweeps to overcome the quarry's challenging depth and conditions. Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks emphasized the department's commitment to resolving the situation and expressed gratitude to all partner agencies for their critical collaboration. The Knoxville Police Department continues to investigate the incident while the fire department monitors the situation and plans next steps with involved agencies. Authorities also reminded the public that swimming in the quarry is illegal and dangerous, especially since it is currently closed for upgrades and has notably deep pits requiring technical diving expertise.