Water rescue attempted under Jarvis Klapman Bridge

The West Columbia Fire Department was involved in an attempted water rescue Monday night.

West Columbia Chief of Operations Marquis Solomon said members of the fire department responded to a report of an individual who possibly jumped off the Jarvis Klapman Bridge shortly after 6 p.m. After searching the area, with aid from the Columbia Fire Department, nothing was found and the search was called off after 7 p.m.

“There was no confirmed sighting,” said Solomon, who added the nighttime weather conditions made the search more difficult. “There was limited lighting and the temperatures presented a challenge.”

Solomon said the initial report of a possible jumper is now in question, but was clear that it was credible at the time. He said West Columbia FD will continue to work with law enforcement and follow up on the situation. That could include possible further rescue attempts, but an investigation is ongoing.