WASHINGTON — Two fishermen were found dead, one fisherman was found alive, and one remains missing after a boat sank on the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County, according to the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Park police said boat owner Gregory Moore, 55, of Mechanicsville, and William Edelen Jr., 48, of White Plains, were found dead.
Police said Sunday that Roger Grissom, 52, of Hughesville, was still missing.
Jason Downing, 39, of Mechanicsville, survived.
The men were participating in a fishing tournament this weekend. The fisherman rescued by police was taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
Police initially received a mayday call at about 5 p.m. on Saturday. Thompson said the call was difficult to decipher. The Maryland Natural Resources Police said the wives of the fishermen called at about 8 p.m. Saturday when the men didn’t arrive home.
“At some point, that boat capsized,” said Candy Thomson, with the Maryland Natural Resources police.
“People don’t realize how difficult and nasty the Potomac River can be, especially at the mouth of the river, where this accident occurred,” Thomson added. “The weather turned from 70, sunny and fairly calm waters to four-foot waves and 46 mph winds.”
As rescuers searched, “they encountered five- to seven-foot whitecaps,” Thomson said.
The search started Saturday evening, lasting until 3 a.m. Sunday when the it was paused due to poor weather conditions. Police resumed their search later Sunday morning.
The boat has not been located.
Rescuers have recovered the bodies of 2 fishermen. Search is continuing for last of the fishermen.
— MD NRP (@MDNRPolice) November 20, 2016
1 of 4 fishermen found by rescuers. Being taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. Search continues.
— MD NRP (@MDNRPolice) November 20, 2016
