The bodies of two men missing from a canoe on the Poquoson River have been found in the water Monday evening.
Three men launched a canoe around 11:30 p.m. Sunday from the Boathouse Cove area off Chisman Creek in Dare, Virginia. The canoe later capsized near the mouth of the Poquoson.
One man managed to make it to shore and call 911. Severely hypothermic, he had fallen asleep on a resident’s back porch. The York County Department of Fire and Life Safety found him around 4:30 a.m. Monday and began searching for the man’s two companions, who were still missing.
York County crews along with the U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and the Poquoson Fire Department along with other agencies searched throughout the day and evening by land, water, and air.
Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, the two mens’ bodies were recovered 600 yards offshore by Newport News and York County divers. They were found using side-scan sonar.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all of those family members and friends who are affected during this difficult time,” said Capt. Kevin M. Carroll, commander of USCG Sector Virginia. “We always try to impress the importance of safety equipment, even something as simple as wearing a life jacket, so that we can help assist you.”
-Meg Walburn Viviano
