Fatal Boat Accident on the Potomac

Duck Hunters Capsize, One Rescued, One Drowned

Authorities say they have found the body of a man whose boat capsized in the Potomac River off the coast of Indian Head. Maryland Natural Resources Police say the body of 30-year-old Charles Burroughs of Mechanicsville was recovered about 12:30 p.m. Friday in the river near Indian Head Naval Base.

Authorities say Burroughs and 54-year-old Nicholas Beall of Charlotte Hall were duck hunting Thursday evening when their boat capsized. Charles County Fire and Rescue were able to rescue Beall as he was swimming to shore. The accident is under investigation.

Duck hunting seems to be a particularly dangerous form of boating in this region.  The water is cold, the weather is often lousy, and the boats used are usually small and loaded with gear.  Duck hunters seem to take pride in their willingness to go out in the worst weather.  It doesn't say whether they were wearing floatation, but they should have been.  My thoughts go out to their families.