ANNAPOLIS—The Natural Resources Police report that a Pennsylvania man drowned on Tuesday after falling into the water while cleaning his boat. The NRP was called to the Two Rivers Yacht Basin located on the Bohemia River in Chesapeake City at approximately 2:10 pm to investigate.
Witnesses told police that the victim, James Brior, age 80, and his wife, of Dowling Town, Pennsylvania were cleaning their boat when Mr. Brior fell overboard. Mrs. Brior heard her husband, who had been on the bow of the boat yell for help. Mrs. Brior threw a life jacket and a line to him; however Mr. Brior was unable to reach either one before slipping under the surface of the water. Approximately 10 minutes later Mr. Brior was pulled from the water by two employees of the yacht basin and a good Samaritan.
Mr. Brior was transported to Union Hospital in Elkton and was pronounced dead at 3:15 pm.
It was reported that Mr. Brior normally did wear a life jacket when he was cleaning the boat but was not wearing one today. According to his family he was strong swimmer and in good health.
An autopsy will be performed on July 11, 2012 to determine the cause of death.