River search continues in South Carolina for Shelbyville man

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:05 PM

By Staff report

Georgetown County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have continued the search for a missing boater on the Waccamaw River, with no results.

Kerry Van Arsdel, of Shelbyville, Indiana, left The Reserve Marina May 19. Marina employees located his unmanned 41-foot blue and white sailboat - the Harmony - on May 22 near Butler Island, dragging its anchor. It was located near Butler Island, miles away from the docks.

Multiple agencies have been searching for Van Arsdel ever since. GCSO Marine Patrol and DNR have led the search.

According to the South Carolina DNR due to the amount of time that passed before Van Arsdel was discovered missing, the original search area consisted of Sandy Island on the Waccamaw River near Reserve Marina to Butler Island. Through additional info that was obtained, the current focus is now on Butler Island East to Winyah Bay."

The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has information about Van Arsdel, they are asked to reach out to the sheriff's office with information by calling 843-546-5102.