NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – What began as a rescue effort is now a recovery mission for a suspected drowning victim in the Kentucky River in Jessamine County, according to the county fire department.

The search for a missing Hispanic man resumed Friday morning at about 8, according to the fire and rescue service.

According to fire officials, his family is on the scene hoping for some kind of closure.

Firefighters say a group of people told them a man, who is described as a good swimmer, dove into the river from the concrete platforms near Lock 7 around 6 p.m. on Thursday to go swimming.

Rescuers were told by witnesses the man made it over the lock and did get “kicked out of” the spillway and was trying to swim out when he went under and wasn’t seen again, Jessamine County Fire Chief Michael Rupard said.

Thursday night’s search ended with nightfall because of hazardous water conditions.

Thursday night, firefighters said the river was higher than normal at about 17 feet with a strong undercurrent, which can make swimming difficult, if not dangerous.

The level was down about two feet by mid-morning Friday, aiding the search, according to Rupard.

At least four boats are on the river and crews also are searching river banks, according to the chief.

Crews hope to launch a boat with a sonar to aid in the search, the chief said.

Fayette County and the Wilmore Fire Department are sending boats as well.