Authorities in Loudon County report today the discovery of a body in a wet suit floating near the shore of Tellico Lake. They say they are “reasonably confident” the body found by Tellico Village Fire & Rescue is that of missing 55-year-old Michael Carnock, who disappeared while swimming May 15. Carnock, who was visiting family in the area from Maryland, was said to have been an experienced swimmer.

Authorities must still make a positive identification before they can determine whether it was Carnock.

According to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, a volunteer search-and-rescue team from Minnesota had been aiding in the search. Crews had also conducted surface and shoreline searches.

Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis said ground teams unsuccessfully searched the Jackson Ferry area with no success. Earlier this week, a K-9 cadaver-search team had been deployed, along with five water vessels.