Searchers find body of missing boater in York River

Searchers have discovered the body of one of two fishermen who were lost when their boat capsized Thursday on the York River.

Virginia State Police and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission located the body using sonar devices shortly after 12:30 p.m. today, said District Chief Bob Ryalls of the James City County Fire Department. It was by Croaker Landing in the middle of the river, he said.

They’re continuing to search for the second fisherman, Ryalls said. The Coast Guard suspended its search Thursday evening.

The commercial fishermen, who are friends, launched two boats on the river some time before 10 a.m. Thursday, Ryalls said. One of the boats was taking on water when the river became choppy, so the fisherman headed back toward shore.

As he loaded his boat on a trailer, he looked back toward the other boat and noticed it was gone, Ryalls said.

Firefighters and Coast Guard crews worked through the day searching for the missing boaters.

Their location on the river at the time the boat capsized was unclear, according to a Coast Guard news release. Ryalls said the search was happening near Croaker Landing in York River State Park.

Firefighters from the James City County and James City-Bruton departments launched rescue boats and the Coast Guard sent a boat and helicopter to search the area. A medical helicopter from West Point and a boat from Camp Peary also helped with the effort.

Once the capsized boat, a 23-foot Sea Ox, was located about 11 a.m., a Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered into the river, Ryalls said. No one was found inside or around the vessel.

The air temperature on scene was 43 degrees with a 39-degree water temperature, according to the Coast Guard. The winds were 18 mph with 2-foot seas. The Virginia Marine Police will investigate the incident, Ryalls said.

Staff writers Kathy Adams and Lauren King contributed to this story.