Man Drowns at Tidewater Marina
Incident took place around 9:30 Friday morning
Rescue crews respond to Tidewater Marina, where a man drown Friday morning.
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UPDATED (4:45 p.m.)—An 81-year-old man drowned at Tidewater Marina Friday morning.
The drowning appears to be accidental, according to Susquehanna Hose Company Chief Scott Hurst. The man's name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police Special Operations Division is investigating the accident.
According to Natural Resources police, a 44-foot sailboat was leaving the dock area when the 81-year-old passenger fell into the water without a lifejacket.
Patch was on the scene as crews responded. A man, wet and visibly upset, was taken away from the scene on the back of a golf cart while rescue crews converged upon the location where the drowning took place.
Havre de Grace police, Susquehanna Hose Company and Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps crews converged on an open slip along the south end of the marina around 9:40 a.m. Sailboats bobbed in the slips on both sides of the open slip where crews were responding.
An inital pre-alert went out at 9:38 a.m. calling available responders to Tidewater Marina. Then an alert went out to Susquehanna Hose Company volunteers at 9:42 a.m. calling for a "swift/flood water rescue" at Tidewater Marina.
A statement from the Natural Resources police said the man was transported to Harford Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Earlier, first responders had said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Patch will have more details as they become available.
Rebecca Fitzgerald
6:47 pm on Friday, May 20, 2011
We're so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Please, please, please, use those PFDs (lifejackets) whenever you're out on the water. Even if you become unconscious, you stand a much better chance of rescue if you're wearing a PFD.
Sean Welsh
7:28 pm on Friday, May 20, 2011
From Natural Resources police:
The Maryland Natural Resources Police remind all citizens and visitors that attention to boating safety saves lives, and is of paramount importance when enjoying Maryland’s waterways. While it is recommended that everyone on board wear a personal floatation device while a vessel is underway, a child under 13 years of age must wear a life jacket while underway in a vessel that is less than 21 feet in length.
In addition, children under 4 years of age and/or less than 50 pounds must have a life jacket equipped with a grab strap, inflatable headrest and crotch strap. NRP also recommends filing a float plan with a friend or relative. The plan should include the vessel’s destination, how long it will remain at the destination, and what time it’s expected to return. This information will assist rescue units if the vessel does not return. The Maryland Natural Resources Police emergency number is 800-628-9944.
Hollee Sifford
9:38 am on Saturday, May 21, 2011
GREAT info Sean and to the family of the deceased man my prayers are with you.Boating can be fun just stay alert and aware:)
Cynthia picciochi
9:11 am on Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thank you for all your prayers , our uncle was full of life this is a terrible tragedy