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Police and firefighters are hoping to find a Lancaster County man who went missing on the Susquehanna River.
The search began around 10:30 Wednesday morning after students from Northeastern High School reported finding a boat along the shore in Chanceford Township, York County.
The boat's motor was running and a dog was on board. The students, who were kayaking the river as part of a biology field trip, said a cell phone was also left on the boat.
"It just seemed strange," said teacher John Marrs. "The ignition was on, the puppy was there and nobody. It just didn't look good. That's when we decided it was time to call the river rescue."
York County Public Information Officer Brian Morrin said the missing boater is an Iraq (web|news) i war veteran from Lancaster County. Morrin said the man went out fishing around 5:30 Wednesday morning. His vehicle and boat trailer were located at a boat ramp in Manor Township.
The man's family reported the boat had two life vests, but both vests were still on board, according to Morrin. Officials said they do not believe foul play was involved.
Boats from the Columbia Fire Department, Washington Boro Fire Department and Lake Clarke Rescue were among those searching a five-mile length of the river. A State Police helicopter assisted the search from the air.
The man's family, including his mother, waited by the side of the river throughout the day watching the activity. They consoled each other with hugs.
The search was called off Wednesday afternoon because of rain, but the boats soon went back in the water. The rescue efforts were finally called off around 5:00 p.m. because of impending night fall and storms. Rescuers will continue their search Thursday morning.
The boat was taken to the Lower Windsor Township police department and the investigation is being handled by the State Fish and Boat Commission.
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