The body of a man who drowned after swimming away from his boat in Ocean View has been recovered.
Norfolk Police say crews recovered the body Monday around 1:30 p.m. from the Willoughby boat ramp. It’s located on the Willoughby Spit, where the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and Willoughby Bay all meet.
The Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Police, Norfolk Fire-Rescue, and the Norfolk Police Harbor Patrol launched a search for the man just after 6 p.m. Sunday. Two kayakers told the Coast Guard they saw him try to swim for shore from his broken-down boat, but did not resurface.
The day-long search included rescue boats and a Coast Guard helicopter. In all, crews covered a total of 164 square miles.
Norfolk Police will release the man’s identity once his family members have been notified.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
