S.C. Code Ann. § 15-67-720: If such person is not produced, he is taken to be dead.

If the person proceeded against shall fail to produce such other person, according to the direction made, the court may appoint commissioners before whom such other person may be produced. If such other person cannot be produced or there should be other satisfactory proof before the commissioners of the death of such person, they shall make return of the fact on oath. Such person sought shall then be taken to be dead, and any lawful claimant of any estate held by or for such person shall be let into the possession of such estate.