Body of missing boater recovered off Taylors Island

RECOVERY OF MISSING BOATER
Authorities recovered the body of Lonnie James Johnson, a 65-year-old man from Chesapeake Beach, after a search that lasted nearly one month. Johnson was found in the waters off Dorchester County on December 4. His body was located shortly after 12:30 p.m. when National Resource Police aviators spotted it during an aerial search operation.

INITIAL DISAPPEARANCE AND SEARCH EFFORTS
Johnson was first reported missing in November when he did not return as expected. His 23-foot center-console boat was later discovered near Taylors Island after authorities tracked the location of his cell phone. The discovery of the vessel initiated extensive search efforts across the surrounding waterways.

LOCATION OF RECOVERY
According to police, Johnson’s body was recovered from the waters just south of the mouth of the Little Choptank River. The recovery occurred shortly after he was spotted by aviation units conducting ongoing patrols in the region.

AGENCIES INVOLVED
Multiple agencies assisted in the 21-day search for Johnson. Participating organizations included the Maryland State Police, the United States Coast Guard, the Civil Air Patrol, and various fire companies. Their coordinated efforts supported both the search for Johnson's vessel and the recovery operation.

CONFIRMED OUTCOME
Officials confirmed that the body recovered on December 4 was that of Lonnie James Johnson. No additional details regarding the circumstances of his death were provided.