Rescue crews spent Friday searching for a man who went missing yesterday afternoon while fishing in the Conewago Creek in York County. The missing man’s girlfriend watched as the crews searched in Washington Township. She did not want to be identified, but said the man’s name is Jerry.
His boat capsized on Thursday around 3PM. A friend of Jerry’s who was also in the boat saw him floating in the water unconscious before he disappeared. The friend also fell in, but managed to swim ashore and call for help. Crews arrived shortly after and began searching. They resumed the search Friday morning around 7AM, but said it has since turned into a recovery rather than a rescue. “We’ve tried everything we can. Last evening we used a Medivac out of Thomasville then they were replaced by the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter. Today we brought in the helicopter again as well as a cadaver dog” said Dover Township Deputy Fire Chief Brian Widmayer.
Jerry and his friend were towing another boat at the time. A strong current from the recent heavy rains pulled them over a lowhead dam, which caused the boat to capsize. Neither Jerry or his friend were wearing life jackets. The deputy fire chief had some potentially life saving tips for other boaters. “Research water ways as much as you can. Learn where you’re going to boat. Always wear a life vest, always be in groups” said Widmayer. Jerry’s girlfriend and mother are hoping he made it out to shore and may have amnesia. If anyone has seen him contact your local police department.