CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (December 16, 2011)—Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and Charles County Dive Rescue recovered the body of the missing duck hunter, Charles F. Burroughs, 30, of Mechanicsville, today at 12:30 p.m. He was found close to where his boat capsized yesterday in the Potomac River near Indian Head Naval Base.
NRP responded to the scene at 6:15 p.m. on December 15, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Charles County Fire and Rescue Department, to search for Burroughs and his hunting companion, Nicholas Beall, 54 of Charlotte Hall. Charles County Fire and Rescue were able to rescue Beall as he was swimming to shore.
Investigations reveal Burroughs and Beall were duck hunting near Mason’s Neck Refuge. On the trip back to Fort Smallwood State Park at 4:50 p.m., they encountered strong winds and choppy waters, causing their boat to sink. They were able to dial 911 and request assistance.
The boat was located and taken to shore as evidence for the investigation. Units from NRP, Charles County Fire and Rescue, Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Coast Guard and MSP aviation searched for the victim throughout the night. Charles County Dive Rescue located the victim using side-scan sonar.
NRP Special Operations Division is continuing the investigation in the accident.
Source: Maryland Natural Resources Police