March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 45 F

UPDATED: Missing kayaker’s body recovered in Spa Creek

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as Stephanie Hancock of Annapolis. Hancock was a special agent with the Secret Service since 2007. Most recently, she served on the Presidential protection detail.

This is an update to a story initially published last night.  The body of a missing kayaker was discovered yesterday evening after a six-hour search.

The woman went missing about 3:30pm yesterday afternoon while kayaking off Horn Point at the mouth of Spa Creek. This was about 30 minutes prior to the storms that came through the area late afternoon.

The body of a 39-year old woman was recovered in Spa Creek just before 10:00pm by crews from the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Fire Departments.

The call for help was initiated by the schooner Woodwind when two kayakers had fallen into the water. Neither was wearing a lifejacket. The Woodwind remained on scene to assist and the Annapolis City Harbormaster was able to rescue the one kayaker. In addition to the Harbormaster, the Annapolis Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Maryland State Police, and the US Coast Guard all responded.

We spoke with Jennifer Kaye, the Owner of the Schooner Woodwind who said, “It is just heartbreaking.  We are glad that we were in the area to be able to assist, but our crew and guests are just heartbroken to hear this news. “

“Our Captain noticed something unusual while coming in from a two-hour sail. It was an overturned kayak and an occupied kayak attempting to right the overturned one. The kayaker called out to call 911.”

Kaye continued, “all professional sailors and captains are trained to look for things that are odd; and that is exactly what our Captain did. The response from the Harbormaster and others was incredible, virtually immediately.”

Eye On Annapolis is not releasing the name of the victim at this time as the Coast Guard has not made an official statement.

Previous Article

UPDATED: Search continuing for missing kayaker in Spa Creek

Next Article

Navigating Independence Day in Annapolis–all you need to know

You might be interested in …