SNOW HILL, Md. – What appeared to be a possible vehicle submerged near a boat ramp in Snow Hill turned out to be something far different.
The Snow Hill Police Department said it was contacted June 19 by an individual magnet fishing at Byrd Park who reported that his equipment had latched onto a large metal object near the southern portion of the park's boat ramp.
Concerned the object could be a vehicle, authorities conducted a side-scan sonar search of the area. The scan revealed a frame-like object that appeared to resemble some type of vehicle, prompting officials to request assistance from the Ocean City Dive Team.
(Snow Hill Police Department)
Dive team members arrived on scene Monday and spent about two hours investigating the object before removing it from the river.
According to police, the item turned out to be a large wooden frame with metal cross supports.
Officials have not positively identified the structure. However, some local residents believe it may be the remains of an old boxcar or unloading platform once used to move materials from the river many years ago.
Police said additional sonar scans of the bulkhead surrounding the boat ramp will be conducted in the near future to ensure no vehicles remain submerged in the area.
Several agencies assisted with the response, including the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company, Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Maryland Natural Resources Police, EMS units and Boat 4.
Authorities are encouraging residents to share any historical knowledge they may have about the object as investigators work to determine exactly what was recovered from the river.
