Authorities: Person Falls Off Pontoon Boat, Drowns

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Maryland authorities say a passenger fell off a pontoon boat and drowned in the Assawoman Bay.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police said in a news release Sunday that alcohol is suspected as a factor in the accident, which occurred Saturday. The agency did not identify the person who died because relatives had not yet been notified.

The boat's pilot and other passengers tried to find the person who had fallen off. The NRP and other agencies found the body Sunday morning after using divers and sonar during searches.

The NRP is still investigating the accident. Officials say this is the 16th boating death this year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)