Chincoteague, Va. – The Virginia Marine Police are investigating a boating incident that left one dead and one missing Saturday morning.
Around 9:22 a.m., Marine Police received a call about a capsized vessel in the Chincoteague Bay near Curtis Merritt Harbor. Witnesses say they saw a 16-foot John Boat carrying four people that was struck by a wave causing the vessel to capsize. All four people went into the water.
According to officials, someone was able to rescue two people who remained on the boat. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) recovered one man dead who was identified as Cory Alles of Bentonville Virginia. A 17-year-old male remains missing.
The other man and a 17-year-old male were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The search continues for the missing 17-year-old. Crews will suspend search during the evening hours and will resume in the morning both by sea and air. The Virginia Marine Police, Port Authority, US Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Beach Police, Virginia Beach Fire, Chesapeake Police, Chincoteague Police and Accomack Sheriff's participated in Sunday's search. Authorities remain committed to bringing closure to the victims' family.
The winter storm presented unfavorable weather conditions for boating. At the time of the incident, water temperatures were in the low 40's, air temperature in the low 20's, and wind gusts ranged from 12- 15 mph. The group was preparing to duck hunt when the vessel took on water and capsized.
At this time, the identity of the 17-year-old will not be disclosed.
The United States Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Police, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, and the Chincoteague Police Department are assisting with the investigation.
"The Virginia Marine Police and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission offers its deepest condolences to the families during this time.”
This is a developing story.
