Crews Search for Swimmer near Bloede Dam (UPDATE)

By Brandie Jefferson

Just after 12 a.m. Monday, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services issued the following statement:

After an extensive search, we have been unable to locate the swimmer.  We believe the subject did not survive. The incident has been turned over to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police.

Original article (posted at 11:15 p.m. Sunday)

Howard County firefighters and paramedics were on the scene of a water rescue Sunday night in Elkridge.

According to a statement released by Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) spokesperson Marc Fischer, bystanders reported seeing a man swim over the Bloede Dam Sunday night.

When the man did not resurface, according to Fischer, witnesses called for help.

At about 10:40 p.m., rescue crews were at the scene, in Patapsco Valley State Park near the Baltimore/Howard County border.

Howard County’s police helicopter, Air 1, searched the water and surrounding area using an infrared camera, but found no signs of the swimmer, according to Fischer. The Special Operations Team was on-scene and down-river at around 11 p.m., ready with swift water rescue swimmers and specialized equipment. 

On the ground, ATV, Gators and foot patrols were searching both sides of the river, according to Fischer’s statement. 

In addition to HCDFRS, supporting agencies included:  Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Police, Howard County Police, Baltimore County Fire Department, and Baltimore County Police Department.