VIDALIA — An unidentified man was rushed to Merit Health Natchez after being discovered under the Mississippi River Bridge Wednesday afternoon.

Lee McClain with the Town of Vidalia Fire Department Ambulance, said little information about the incident could be released.

McClain said someone near the Vidalia Riverfront discovered the man beneath westbound bridge that is currently closed for repairs.

The man was beneath some of the tarps that are used to cover the areas on the bridge that are being painted.

Vidalia Police Chief Joey Merrill said the man was local and had been missing since early Wednesday morning.

“We were all glad that we found him,” Merrill said. “He was conscious, but not very responsive.”

McClain said the age, name and condition of the man found could not be released due to personal privacy laws.

McClain said no further information was available at the time.

Representatives of Merit Health Natchez declined to comment Wednesday.