Decomposed Body Found in Car, Which Matches Vehicle Driven by Missing SK Resident

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Portsmouth police said today a decomposed body was found in a car submerged by a marina at 222 Narragansett Ave.

The body has not been identified yet. However, the vehicle matches the description of one being driven by a South Kingstown resident. The 21-year-old has been missing since February.

Portsmouth and South Kingstown police continue to investigate.

RELATED: South Kingstown Man Reported Missing

According to Portsmouth police Maj. Brian P. Peters, at about 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a vehicle submerged in water at Brewers Marina.

"The calling party informed officers that after observing oil on the water’s surface a diver entered the water and observed the motor vehicle," Peters said.

Portsmouth police contacted the Rhode Island State Police and asked for assistance from the dive team. Meanwhile, he said, "Portsmouth Fire Department rescue swimmers entered the water and observed that the vehicle was covered in silt and had been under water for an extended period of time. Due to safety concerns about the darkness and proximity to the pier, the vehicle was left in place and guarded overnight by Portsmouth Police."

This morning, the state police responded and were able to recover the vehicle, Peters said.

"Inside the vehicle, a decomposed body was located. The medical examiner’s office was contacted and the body has yet to be identified."