The body of a man who went missing in the Potomac River earlier this week was recovered Thursday morning, bringing a three-day search to an end.
According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the department’s Swift Water Rescue Team located the missing man beneath the surface of the river at approximately 11:30 a.m. near Spotzbergen Rock, just south of Sandy Landing. The man’s body was transferred to the Montgomery County Department of Police and will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Officials said the man’s family has been notified, and rescue crews have cleared the scene.
The search began after the man was reported missing at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. Over the following days, MCFRS deployed swift water rescue boats equipped with sonar, search dogs and other specialized resources in an effort to locate him.
The recovery marks the third fatal incident in the Potomac River this summer. Earlier this month, MCFRS recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy who disappeared while swimming near Great Falls after an overnight search. In June, search crews also recovered the body of 20-year-old Germantown resident and Towson University student Nazir Bell following a three-day search near Great Falls.
Officials continue to warn that swimming in the Potomac River, particularly near Great Falls, is extremely dangerous because of powerful currents, submerged hazards and rapidly changing water conditions.
