TALLASSEE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has scaled back search operations for a missing kayaker on Tellico Lake, transitioning from a multiagency, high-intensity search to targeted shoreline and area searches conducted twice daily. TWRA game wardens continue visual shoreline sweeps in the remote search area.

TWRA initially launched a full search effort Aug. 12 after being notified at about 1:40 p.m. EDT of a possible missing person near the Tallassee Access Area along Highway 129. Responding TWRA game wardens determined that Richard Kitts, 57, had left his residence the previous night around 8 p.m. and planned to kayak on Tellico Lake. His vehicle was located at the Tallassee Access Area during the initial response.

Later that day, a boater discovered Kitts' kayak and paddle adrift approximately one mile downstream from the access area, just below Chilhowee Dam. Personal belongings were found inside the kayak. TWRA game wardens began immediate shoreline and island searches.

In the days following the report, TWRA coordinated an extensive multiagency search effort involving the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Blount County Sheriff's Office, T-BART, Knox County Rescue Squad and several local volunteer organizations. Search methods included shoreline searches, foot searches of nearby islands, aerial surveys and water-based searches using visual sweeps and side-scan sonar. THP's aviation unit and multiple drone teams assisted in covering the remote area, where radio and cellular service are limited.

On Saturday, CAM SAR, a volunteer organization equipped with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and towfish scanning technology, supported deep-water search operations. Multiple teams thoroughly scanned areas extending upstream toward Chilhowee Dam and approximately two miles downstream of the access area. Community volunteers, including some from out of state, also spent hours searching shallow shoreline areas using paddle craft.