Accokeek Man Drowns In St. Mary’s County
CHAPTICO -- A Prince George’s County man drowned this evening after he fell overboard while trying to untangle a fishing line from a boat propeller, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Clarence Thomas Underwood, age 57, of Accokeek, was fishing with two other companions on the Wicomico River off the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County at approximately 5:30 p.m. today. The trio had been out fishing for about 4-5 hours. Underwood’s fishing line became entangled in the propeller of his 21-foot powerboat, and he was attempting to untangle it when he fell over the port side of the vessel into approximately 10-foot deep waters. He quickly disappeared under the water and his companions called 9-1-1. He was not wearing a life jacket (personal floatation device). Wind conditions at the time of the accident had picked up and were approximately 15 knots out of the southwest, with 1-2 foot waves. Alcohol was not determined to be a factor in the accident.
The 7th District Volunteer Fire Department, the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department, Maryland State Police Trooper 7 and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police in the rescue and eventual recovery efforts. The 7th District Volunteer Fire Department made the actual recovery of Underwood’s body at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Next of kin notification has been made. Underwood’s body will be taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for autopsy.
Maryland Natural Resources Police urge citizens who enjoy summer recreation on the water to always wear a life jacket, even if you are not planning to go swimming or be in the water.
Posted June 28, 2004