Authorities say they will resume their recovery effort for a man who is believed to have drowned in a sand pit near the North Platte River on Monday evening.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, it was reported to the North Platte 911 Center just before 7:30 p.m. that a kayaker was missing in a sandpit near the Highway 30 bridge just east of North Platte.

The man was reportedly kayaking with several other people when he and a female were pulled into a sand pit, due to strong currents, and tipped.  Another kayaker was able to rescue the female, but they were unable to get the man out of the water.

Along with the LCSO, the Lincoln County Dive Team was also called to the scene, but they were unable to find the missing man.

Officials say they are now officially considering this a recovery mission, and the man is presumed to have drowned.

The search will resume this morning.  The Nebraska Game and Parks will bring in sonar equipment to assist law enforcement and the Lincoln County Dive Team.

The man’s identity has not been released.