Rescue Crews Recover Body After Canoe Capsizes in Flanders Bay

Marine Patrol has recovered the body of a man who reportedly went in the water at approximately 10:30 a.m. after the canoe he and another man were in capsized approximately 100 yards from shore near Ober Cove Road in Flanders Bay, Sullivan.

The two were planning to harvest clams when their canoe capsized, according to Marine Patrol reports. One of the two men swam to shore and called 911 while the other did not make it to shore. Marine Patrol conducted a search nearby with three patrol vessels and along the shore on foot.

The body of the deceased man -- later identified 36-year-old Robert Hill of Trenton -- was recovered at approximately 1:30 p.m. by Marine Patrol and confirmed deceased by local EMS. The canoe has also been recovered. Marine Patrol reports that neither appear to have been wearing life jackets. Names of the two men are being withheld until the family of the deceased man is notified.

The US Coast Guard was also involved in the search with a 47' rescue boat, and helicopter. Sullivan Fire Department, and good Samaritans were also on-scene searching.

Water temperature at the time of the search was 52 degrees.

We'll update this story with more information as soon as it's available.