Divers searching for possible drowning victim at Brantley Lake State Park near Carlsbad

A possible drowning at Brantley Lake State Park was investigated Thursday by the Eddy County Sheriff's Office. 

Capt. Matt Hutchinson with the Sheriff's Office said deputies and medical personnel were called to the Champion Cove area between 5 and 6 p.m. Wednesday.

He said an unidentified male individual in his 30's was rafting when a wind gust turned the raft over.

Hutchinson said the man couldn't gain control and went under the water.

As of 10:45 a.m. Thursday, he said the body wasn't recovered.

LAST YEAR:Drowning reported at Brantley Lake, search ongoing

Susan Torres, spokesperson for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD), said divers from the New Mexico State Parks and the New Mexico State Police are searching for the man. 

"The lake surface is currently closed due to the ongoing investigation and recovery," she said. 

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A name isn't being released at this time, according to Hutchinson.

If a body is recovered, Hutchinson said detectives will conduct an investigation and the it will be sent to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for an  autopsy.

REOPENING:New Mexico State parks and lakes to reopen in phases

He said divers are hoping good weather will allow them to recover the body quickly.

Brantley Lake State Park is located 12 miles north of Carlsbad.

This is a developing story. More information will be released when it becomes available. 

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.