NORFOLK, Va. - The body of a man reported missing in the water near the Little Creek Channel has been recovered.
According to Laurie Naismith of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Marine Police received a call from the Maryland Pilot Boat around 9:45 a.m. saying they saw the body of 25-year-old William Kevin Umphlett.
Umphlett's body was recovered by Virginia Marine Police near the Thimble Shoals area of the Chesapeake Bay, not far from the Eastern Shore.
The Coast Guard suspended their search for Umphlett Friday.
Local authorities continued their search Saturday morning.
Umphlett was last seen Thursday evening after falling off a tube while tubing behind a boat. Witnesses say the current was too strong and they were unable to pull him out of the water.
The tube was recovered, according to police.
Umphlett was not wearing a life jacket and was last seen wearing a white and blue bathing suit. Family and friends say he is a strong swimmer.
"As long as there is hope he may be alive, we will continue to be hopeful that we will find him," says Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Peggy Britton.
Early Friday morning, authorities moved the location of the search to Ocean View Avenue and 21st Bay Street.
