Mystery on the Ogeechee River: What Killed the Fish?

It's a strange phenomenon: hundreds of dead fish piling up along the Ogeechee River, and no one knows what killed them.

The dead fish have been spotted along the Ogeechee River in Screven, Bulloch and Bryan counties, but authorities are advising neighbors in Effingham and Chatham counties to take precautions too.

Neighbors are afraid this mysterious plague on the fish could have long-term impacts on their health and livelihood.

What caused hundreds of fish to die in the Ogeechee River? It's a mystery state and federal officials are trying to solve.

"A lot of these fish had lesions and sores on them, which is an indication that something could have been going on for a while," said Ted Wynn, director of the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency.

Authorities said the dead fish started showing up in Screven County, not far from the King America textile plant, but they cannot yet say what is to blame.

"Testing at that particular facility on Saturday proved there was nothing wrong with what was coming into the river," said Wynn.

People in five counties are being warned against fishing or swimming in the river until test results come in.

The warning means a lot of boats sitting around at Ogeechee River Canoe and Kayak Rentals.

"The phone's ringing but it's all canceling trips," said owner Bill Eason.

Eason said he is losing thousands of dollars from the closure and uncertainty.

"You're looking at close to 100 people that's already canceled and at this time of the year that hurts," he said.

Eason said Sunday his customers reported dead clams all along the river, and he believes pollution is to blame.

"Whenever you see the Asian clams start dying, that's bad, but when you see the fish start dying, somebody's dumped something major," he said.

Other neighbors are worried too. Connie Olive lives about a mile and a half from the river in Guyton.

"We're wondering is it going to come into our homes through our wells. If it's making the fish sick, how's that going to affect our children and family?" she said.

Now Olive is on edge, waiting to find out what happened.

"How far away from the river does it take to become safe?"

Officials said so far the oxygen and pH levels are normal.

Authorities said water and tissue sample results should be available mid-week. News 3 will be sure to let you know as soon as that information is released.