May 3, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 142

MEDIA CONTACT: For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes or Sgt. Robert Legates, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913; or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents
recover body of missing fisherman from Felton

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents on Sunday morning, May 2, recovered a body from the Delaware Bay that the Delaware Medical Examiner’s office has positively identified as David R. Whitehair, age 40, of Felton. Mr. Whitehair and his son, David Whitehair Jr., age 17, had been missing since an April 24 fishing trip.

A passing boater spotted the body in the water near Ship John Shoal Lighthouse on the New Jersey side of the shipping channel. Delaware Fish and Wildlife marine agents who were continuing the search for the missing pair responded to the report and brought the body back to Port Mahon, where it was turned over to the Medical Examiner.

The search for the missing father and son began Saturday afternoon, after their fishing boat was found capsized off Port Mahon. The U.S. Coast Guard, the Delaware State Police dive team, the Little Creek Fire Company and Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents responded in the initial search.

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents are continuing to search for David Whitehair Jr. To report information, citizens are encouraged to call 302-739-4580. Calls will be answered 24 hours a day.