CHAPTICO -- A Prince George’s County man who drowned last Sunday evening after he
fell overboard while trying to untangle a fishing line from a boat propeller, wasn't
wearing a life jacket, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Clarence Thomas Underwood, 57, of Accokeek, was fishing with two other companions on the
Wicomico River off the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County at approximately 5:30 p.m.
today. The trio had been out fishing for about 4-5 hours.
Underwood’s fishing line became entangled in the propeller of his 21-foot powerboat,
and he was attempting to untangle it when he fell over the port side of the vessel into
approximately 10-foot deep waters. He quickly disappeared under the water and his
companions called 9-1-1. He was not wearing a life jacket (personal floatation device).
Wind conditions at the time of the accident had picked up and were approximately 15 knots
out of the southwest, with 1-2 foot waves. Alcohol was not determined to be a factor in
the accident.
The 7th District Volunteer Fire Department, the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department,
Maryland State Police Trooper 7 and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted Maryland Natural
Resources Police in the rescue and eventual recovery efforts. The 7th District Volunteer
Fire Department made the actual recovery of Underwood’s body at approximately 7:30
p.m.
Next of kin notification has been made. Underwood’s body will be taken to the State
Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for autopsy.
Maryland Natural Resources Police urge citizens who enjoy summer recreation on the water
to always wear a life jacket, even if you are not planning to go swimming or be in the
water.
