Missing Boater Found, Weekend Funeral Planned

The body of a missing boater was found this week after hours of searching around the North East River, officials said.

Earl L. “Skip” Graham, Jr., 53, of Narvon, Pa., was last seen Friday night visiting with friends at Craft Haven Campground and Marina in Perryville, where his 23-foot boat had been docked, according to the Cecil Whig, which reported his body was found at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday at the mouth of the Sassafras River.

The search began after a good samaritan reported an unmanned vessel doing circles offshore from the Turkey Point Lighthouse at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Coast Guard. It was identified as Graham’s boat.

The Coast Guard and Maryland State Police searched for the boater along with personnel from Aberdeen Proving Ground and Harford and Cecil counties on Saturday until sundown and on Sunday.

Related: Recovery Effort Underway For Missing Boater in North East River

The death of Graham, whose body was found in 14 feet of water near Susquehanna Flats, marked the 19th boating fatality of 2015, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Graham was the operations manager at Chester County Solid Waste Authority in Narvon, Pa., where he worked for 40 years, according to his obituary. He reportedly enjoyed hunting and fishing.

“Rest in peace, our dear friend Skip,” Craft Haven Campground and Marina posted on Facebook Sunday. “You were loved and will be missed by so many. Hope the fishing is good up there.”

There will be a memorial service for Graham at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main Street, New Holland, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dutchland Hunting Camp, c/o Ronald Fink, 356 S. Churchtown Road, Narvon, PA 17555.

Photo of Earl ”Skip” Graham from Groff-High Funeral Home.