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Dive teams resume search for teen’s body

Posted at 5:09 PM, Jun 25, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-26 08:14:55-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- The Richmond Fire Department has resumed its search for a body spotted floating down the James River, near Brown's Island, Tuesday afternoon.

Lt. Robbie Hagaman told CBS 6 News Reporter Chelsea Rarrick that crews would pick up the search at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Lt. Hagaman officials received a call regarding a water rescue on Belle Isle around 4:30 p.m. Hagaman said a group was in the area of a rope swing and told authorities that someone had gone into the water, became distressed, and floated down the river.

"One of the friends that was with the person who was reportedly in the water had swam after him, but had lost sight of him," said Lt. Hagaman.

Lt. Hagaman said he believes crews are looking for a male between the ages of 15-18.

Gavin Rowe told CBS 6 News that he was fishing on the river Tuesday afternoon and saw the body.

"Policemen started coming through, we were going to check out what was happening," said Rowe.

Rowe said it was something he'd never seen before, but also a reminder of how dangerous the James River can be.

"You have to be careful, it's a terrible thing," he said.

Divers began their search shortly after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.