A body was found in the Potomac River over Memorial Day weekend as crews searched for a young man who went missing while trying to swim across the fast-moving body of water.
Two young men entered the water in Virginia, near Great Falls, and attempted to swim to the Maryland side on Saturday, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials said in a statement posted on social media.
One swimmer managed to cross, but the other disappeared, officials said.
Authorities conducted an “exhaustive search by land, sea and air” through Saturday evening, then returned Sunday, officials said.
On Monday, a kayaker reported finding a body in the water, according to Piringer. Sonar teams had also found traces of a body among the rocks.
Whitewater rescue boats responded near the Old Anglers boat ramp to recover the body, which is believed to be that of the missing swimmer, Piringer said Monday.
An investigation into the death is underway. Information on the identity of the missing swimmer was not immediately released.
Deaths on the Potomac River are not uncommon during the warmer months. In September, a woman who was part of a group of visiting students drowned while kayaking in the Potomac River, authorities said.
Swimming is prohibited in the Potomac River because it is very dangerous, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
“The river appears calm on the surface, but invisible underwater currents (and eddies) are moving downward and can drag a person or pet to the bottom. Water can trap them 15 to 30 feet below or beneath submerged rock ledges,” the NPS said.
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News Source : www.nbcwashington.com
