An Atlanta man drowned in a McMinn County quarry Sunday. He is the second person to drown in Blue Cove Hideaway in the past year.
James E. Semster, 25, jumped from a 30-foot bluff at Blue Cove and appeared in distress after landing in the water, according to McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy. Witnesses called 911 when he went under water and failed to resurface.
McMinn County Rescue Squad divers recovered Semster's body just after 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Cove is an abandoned rock quarry, formerly known as Proffit's Quary. It's now operated as a swimming hole and camping ground.
According to authorities, the area is unsafe and poorly operated.
"It is a dangerous place," Guy said. "“We’ve spoken with Mr. Womac many times about the way he operates. It is filthy, and I see no regard for the safety of the people he allows to camp and swim here. This is the second death in a year, and I fear there will be more deaths, injuries and other criminal activity."
Semster is the second person to die in the quarry in the past year. According to Guy, McLean Daugherty of Niota died in June 2015 after jumping from a bluff around the quarry.
According to Guy, Blue Cove is able to operate without a business license because owner Charlie Womac claims it is part of his farm. Seriff Guy also says the Department of Health is unable to do anything about the state of the quarry because it is considered a natural swimming area.
"It is very frustrating, but we have already contacted the District Attorney's office to see if any criminal charges apply in this case," Guy said. "It won't bring back the loss of the two young men here, but it might prevent it from happening again."