Lightning flashed Tuesday as searchers combed the Ogeechee River, seeking a man believed to have drowned near Halcyondale Landing in Screven County.

As dusk approached, a dive team from Burke County entered the water near the spot where a 24-year-old man disappeared, Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn said.

An officer at the scene told the Statesboro Herald the victim is Antonio Lee, a man with Down syndrome. Lee reportedly lives near the Halcyondale community in Screven County.

The initial call regarding Lee, who reportedly went under while swimming in the river, was routed to Bulloch County Central 911, but it was soon discovered the incident took place in Screven County, Wynn said.

Screven County sheriff's spokesman Brett Dickerson said the call came in around 3:30 p.m.

"There were some young men swimming and they lost sight of one," he said. "He didn't resurface."

Bulloch and Screven county firefighters, sheriff's deputies, Department of Natural Resources rangers, Sylvania Marine and Rescue, Screven County EMS, Georgia State Patrol troopers and others searched for hours Tuesday afternoon and evening, scanning the Ogeechee River between Halcyondale Landing and Oliver Bridge.

Searchers found what is believed to be Lee's shorts, Bulloch County Fire Chief Christopher Ivey said.

Lee and others "were swimming and tried to swim to the other side (of the river)," he said.

Lightning posed a danger for rescue workers as they were in and around the water, he said. However, searchers continued until dark, looking for Lee.

Screven County Sheriff Mike Kile and Screven County Emergency Management Director Chief Harvey Cryder were not immediately available for comment Tuesday evening, as they were actively involved in the search, according to Screven County Sheriff's Office and 911 officials.

If Lee was not found late Tuesday, the search would resume this morning, Ivey said.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.