Editor’s Note: The video in this story is from an earlier report.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An urgent search continues for a kayaker who went missing on Lake Lanier, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

The sheriff’s office said 43-year-old Dustin Valencia was reported missing Wednesday. He’s believed to have taken his family’s yellow and gray Intex inflatable kayak out on the lake before he vanished.

On Friday morning, authorities said the Kayak was found. The sheriff’s office said a person spotted it floating in the water and pulled it out Wednesday night. That person later realized it was likely the missing man’s vessel and told authorities late Thursday.

Deputies said Valencia did not have a life vest.

The sheriff’s office previously said Valencia’s car was found at Little Ridge Park, on the southern edge of the lake, and that it’s deployed drones and marine units to find him.

Deputies shared a photo of the type of kayak that Valencia was using. They said the seats in Valencia’s kayak were “were not inflated or installed.”

Family friends watched from a distance by the lake’s shoreline on Thursday night. On the water, Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies actively searched Lake Lanier at Little Ridge Park, following up on leads and looking for clues.

“A lot of worry,” shared family friend Dillon Taylor. “Really concerned for Dustin and his family.”

Taylor said that he plays softball with Valencia and the two families are good friends.

“As soon as we got the word, groups of people came together to pray,” Taylor said.

While watching from the shoreline, Atlanta News First saw Forsyth County deputies on boats. Someone appeared to dive into the water and another boat appeared to have a camera in the water, searching for signs of Valencia.

Friends told Atlanta News First they also searched the surrounding area, doing anything they can to help the man, the family they hold dear.

“We know that if the situation were reversed, they would be on the front lines,” Taylor said.

The sun set on another day of searching, and there were still no answers about where Valencia might be.

Anyone with information is asked to contact deputies at (770) 781-3087.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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