***UPDATE*** FOR THE RECOVERY OPERATIONS OF FIRE FIGHTER / LIFE MEMBER DOUGLAS HANDS
October 30, 2021 at 1415 Hours – Fire Fighter / Life Member Doug Hands was located this afternoon during the multi-agency search of the Potomac River. The Hands Family as well as The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS would like to express our sincere Gratitude and Thanks to ALL the resources who have assisted us during the search.
We ask that you continue to keep the Hands Family and his Fire Department Family in your thoughts and prayers during this tough and tragic time.
The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS Department will provide any additional information after the family has requested us to.
The Family and CIVFD would like to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE that helped during this search:
– United States Coast Guard
– Maryland State Police Aviation
– Maryland Natural Resources Police
– Charles County Dive/Rescue
– Newburg VRS&FD Marine Unit
– Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Marine Unit
– Calvert County Marine Unit
– Colonial Beach Marine Unit
– Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department Marine Unit
– Towboat Cobb Island
– All Private Citizens Assisting with the Search by land and water.
UPDATE – Oct. 29, 2021 – The Coast Guard has suspended their efforts this afternoon in the search for the missing crabber in the vicinity of Cobb Island on the Potomac River.
The weather conditions have delayed search efforts by local and state resources at this time. The efforts to continue the search will resume once the weather leaves the area and roadways are passable to allow resources to return to the Cobb Island area. Any person with information that could assist search efforts can contact the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department at 301-259-4258 or if you have an emergency call 911.
Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department has been inundated with offers from the public to assist, and those offers are appreciated. Those offering to provide search assistance will not be discouraged; however, citizens operating on the waterways must exercise extreme caution as the area is significantly impacted by the storm, and the waterway debris is extremely dangerous.
Other offers for assistance can be referred to the Department at the phone number above. The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department as well as the family appreciate the efforts from the United States Coast Guard as well the following resources who have assisted thus far:
• Maryland State Police Aviation
• Maryland Natural Resources Police
• Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department
• Charles County Dive/Rescue
• Newburg VRS&FD Marine Unit
• Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Marine Unit
• Calvert County Marine Unit
• Colonial Beach Marine Unit
• Towboat Cobb Island
For more information, contact Cobb Island VFD or Bill Smith, Volunteer Fire/EMS Public Information Officer at 240-393-1614.
COBB ISLAND, Md. – This morning rescue teams continue the search for missing waterman Douglas Hands.
On Oct. 27, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to a empty vessel found along the Virginia shore line in the area of West Moreland Park / Horsehead Cliffs with no signs of Douglas.
Rescue teams began an active search of the Wicomico River to the Potomac River. Please stay clear of any fire and rescue boats, let them have room to work.
Douglas Hands is a member of Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Co. 6.
Douglas was recognized for heroic actions by Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS
We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com