MILTON, Del. - Delaware State Police say the body recovered from the Delaware Bay on Wednesday has been identified as 18-year-old Yorch Niz-Chilel, who went missing Tuesday in the Broadkill River.
According to DSP, Niz-Chilel had been crabbing with family near the boat launch off Oyster Rocks Road when he entered the river as they were preparing to leave. The investigation found he walked into the water until it reached his neck and began calling for help. Family members tried to rescue him but could not reach him before he went under. Police say the family lost sight of him as he drifted away and submerged while they were calling 911.
Authorities believe the body to be that of Niz-Chilel, however State Police say positive identification is unlikely to happen tonight depending on the condition of the body.
Both the Lewes Fire Department and Delaware State Police confirmed that a body was found Wednesday evening. While authorities believed it was Niz-Chilel, confirmation did not come until just before 10 p.m.
Police say a fisherman spotted the body near the Outer Wall in the Delaware Bay and called 911.
Niz-Chilel's family has been notified. His body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for further examination, according to DSP.
Rehoboth swimmer recovered
Wednesday evening's discovery comes just hours after a man who went missing off Rehoboth Beach Saturday was found at the south end of Cape Henlopen State Park.
Rehoboth police confirm 27-year-old Gregory Karitu, of Kenya, was found in the ocean off Cape Henlopen State Park around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to the Lewes Fire Department, a kayaker spotted Karitu about 1,000 yards offshore between Herring Point and the Bathhouse.
Multiple agencies involved
Delaware State Police public information officer Master Cpl. Lewis Briggs said the second day of the search for Niz-Chilel involved several agencies.
"The search resumed this morning that included the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, Delaware State Police Maritime and Scuba team, as well as DNREC Police," Briggs said.
Family members of Niz-Chilel have remained near the scene since Tuesday, hoping for answers.
"There were quite a few family members and friends, not at the scene but close enough," Briggs said. "We are working with them through our victim services unit to make sure they have the information they need."