GREENVILLE, S.C. (WACH, WHNS) -- A fisherman who was seen falling into the Saluda River, which prompted a massive search Tuesday night, was later found watching television at his home.
Greenville County deputies said two men were fishing along the river when one of the men saw the other fall backward into the water about 10:30 p.m. They said the man on shore ran to get help when the man who fell into the water did not resurface.
Dive teams responded to the area and searched the river for more than hour with no luck, deputies said. They said that about midnight, Chandler Lindekugel, was found resting and watching television at his home.
"I dove in the water, so I shouldn't have dove in the water," Lindekugel said. "He had a big catfish on his line, and I was trying to help him get the catfish off the bank. So, I dove in the water to help him get his catfish. He never did see me again, because I wound up down there at the dam -- down there at the Piedmont Dam."
Deputies said Lindekugel was able to swim out of the river and make it back to his home.
Both men were intoxicated at the time, deputies said.
"I want to thank Piedmont Fire Department and all the volunteers that came out to look for me last night," Lindekugel said. "I really want to thank everyone of you all. God bless you all's souls. I'll try not to make this happen again."
Deputies said no charges will be filed because Lindekugel's friend did the right thing by getting help.
(WHNS and FoxCarolina.com contributed to this report.)
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