The York River
The search continues for a 56-year-old Historic Triangle man who disappeared Monday during a fishing trip on the York River, with authorities moving to deeper waters.
The man’s boat was found on the Gloucester side of the York River about 1 mile south of the Coleman Bridge. His family reported him missing after he did not come home Monday night. Authorities have yet to identify the man.
Virginia Marine Resources Commission spokesperson John Bull said the search moved Thursday into deeper water on the York River. Authorities have already searched several miles of shallow waters along the coastline.
“We’re going to be there as long as it takes,” Bull said. “It’s what we do.”
Bull said six Marine Police officers, including members of the dive team, are participating in the search. They’re using two boats — one of which is equipped with a sonar device — to search the river. The York County Division of Fire and Life Safety is also involved in the search. A VMRC airplane has also been involved in the search, though it is currently undergoing maintenance.
The U.S. Coast Guard was initially involved in the search, however those units are no longer participating. Bull said the weather has been calm for the most part, though the wind has picked up Thursday leading to conditions that are a “little choppy.”
The man’s 15-foot john boat was found with fish on board, as well as his life jacket and his fishing pole. The man left home at about 4 p.m. Monday, telling his family he would return by 11:30 p.m.
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