Maryland Man Vanishes On Chesapeake Bay; Empty Boat Found Near Taylor’s Island (DEVELOPING)

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A search is underway in the Chesapeake Bay after a Maryland man disappeared during a Thursday outing, authorities said.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police said officers were dispatched Friday morning, Nov. 14, for a report of an overdue boater last seen operating a white 23-foot center-console vessel out of Chesapeake Beach on Thursday, Nov. 13.

The missing man has been identified as Lonnie James Johnson, 65, of Chesapeake Beach, according to Maryland DNR.

Police said the unoccupied boat was found Friday morning near Taylor’s Island in Dorchester County after the reporting party tracked Johnson’s cell phone location.

Maryland DNR said the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, United States Coast Guard, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, and Saint Leonard Volunteer Fire Department are assisting in the search, using both aviation and dive resources.

Officials are asking anyone who may have seen “related boating activity” or who has information on Johnson’s whereabouts since he left Chesapeake Beach to call the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888.

This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.