Atlantic City Coast Guard Crew Recovers Body Of Missing Man

BALTIMORE — Members of an Air Station Atlantic City Coast Guard helicopter and boat crew recovered the body of a man who fell off a 42-foot recreational boat on the Chester River in Maryland on Tuesday.

Two other people were aboard the boat and called 911 after the 69-year-old man slipped and fell off the boat. They reported they could not move the boat to help him, according to a Coast Guard release.

Watchstanders at Sector Maryland-National Capital Region’s command center were notified at 9:45 a.m. They deployed a boat and helicopter to begin the search.

An Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a Station Annapolis 29-foot Response Boat — Small boat crew responded and searched alongside the Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resource Police and the Queen Anne’s County fire department.

The man’s body was spotted by the aircrew and was recovered by the Coast Guard boat crew at approximately 12:48 p.m.

“Cold waters are still present in the bay even though the air temperatures are warm,” said Lt. Justin Valentino, the command duty officer directing the search. “We always recommend that boaters wear their life jackets, even if they’re confident in their abilities and skills. Life jackets provide floatation, insulation and visibility for responders.”

Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard