Angels Camp, CA…On 6-15-2021 at about 4:00 PM the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a drowning victim near the dam at the New Melones Reservoir. Deputies from the Calaveras County Marine Safety Division, Calaveras County Sheriff Dive Team, Tuolumne County Marine Safety Division, Rangers from the Bureau of Reclamation, Calaveras Search and Rescue, and a k-9 specially trained to search for drowning victims in water from the Wilderness Finders WOOF Search Dog Team responded to assist in looking for the missing subject.

While speaking to witnesses, deputies learned that a male (33-year-old from Merced) had jumped in the water from a boat and began experiencing difficulty swimming. His brother (35-year-old male from Georgia) entered the water to assist him. As the brother was swimming to assist, someone in the boat threw a life preserver to the male experiencing difficulty. He was able to use the life preserver to stay afloat and eventually get back on the boat. Unfortunately, the brother who entered the water to assist also began experiencing difficulties and went underwater. The persons on the boat attempted to locate the missing person however, they were able to locate him and subsequently notified the Sheriff’s Office.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to offer its most sincere condolences to the family. This is an unfortunate reminder to follow general safety precautions while swimming. Some cautions include: always swim within the limits of your ability, always wear a flotation device, stay within designated swim areas and avoid using alcohol to excess prior to engaging in water activities.

Out of respect for the victim’s family the name of the victim is not going to be released at this time. Please contact Sgt. Greg Stark (209) 754-6783 if you have any inquiries regarding this incident.

Source = CCSO