Female National Guard, 30, disappears underwater after tubing with friends on South Carolina lake

A South Carolina mother and National Guard sergeant vanished while tubing without a life jacket over the holiday weekend. 

Porsha Griffin, 30, was celebrating on Lake Greenwood in Greenville, South Carolina on Saturday with friends, but after an accident on the lake she never resurfaced. 

Days into the search, officials say their efforts have become a recovery mission with no trace of the young mother, as her heartbroken family told of their anguish. 

'When I got the phone call, I was hysterically shocked,' her mother Amicka Griffin told KVVU. 'I immediately went to the area they were searching. It’s been a lot, it’s been a whole lot to take in.' 

Amicka said her daughter was tubing on the lake with three other people and her nine-year-old daughter when the tragedy unfolded. 

Officials said when she fell into the water, she was with another friend when the tube flipped and tossed both of them into the lake, 

While her friend was rescued from the water by other bystanders on the lake, which was said to be packed for the holiday weekend, Porsha never surfaced. 

According to reports, the friend said they were thrown into the water with significant force, and said the waters were 'rough.' 

After being saved, she reportedly said she was shifting in and out of consciousness, and was 'drowning and trying to fight for her life.' 

A heavy multi-day search was conducted on the lake with dive crews, however there has been no sign of the 30-year-old mother. 

Her mother Amicka said she has come to terms with the lengthy delay meaning her daughter likely perished in the water. 

'I've accepted it because God has me,' she said. 'He has me covered. I am not going to question his power.' 

She described her daughter as a 'loving daughter and loving mother', who 'was always a dependable and supportive person.' 

Griffin is a part of the 116th Tactical Installation Networking Enhanced Company, 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade in Spartanburg. 

As well as being an active member of the Columbia National Guard, Porche was also a qualified nurse who obtained her degree a year ago. 

Tributes poured in for the mother, with one friend saying on Facebook they 'keep praying that this isn't real.' 

'My girl was the best of the best,' they said, describing her as a 'friend, leader, mother, genuine human and more.' 

'My heart is shattered, and I have more tears than words.' 

Her commaner, Col. Linda Riedel, said in a statement: 'Of course, we are saddened beyond words, and we’ll continue to pray the search for her yields answers for all who care about her, as well as for peace for her daughter and extended family.'