June 1, 2016

Body of Massachusetts man recovered from Stillwater River, Orono

The body of a Massachusetts man was recovered this morning in the Stillwater River in Orono. Muhammad Jamal, 37, of Malden, MA was kayaking with his 7-year old niece on the Stillwater River in Orono yesterday evening when his kayak overturned. His niece, who was wearing a life jacket, was able to reach the shore safely. Jamal was last seen slipping beneath the surface of the water near the area they overturned.

First responders from Old Town Police and fire, Orono Police and Fire, the Maine State Police and Maine Warden Service responded to the incident. Search efforts were conducted by the Maine State Police Dive Team and Maine Warden Service Dive Team until late Tuesday night.

This morning, the Maine Warden Service Dive Team returned to the scene and continued conducting search efforts in the Stillwater River. At approximately 8:30 AM, Warden Service Divers recovered the body of Jamal in approximately 13 feet of water. Jamal was not wearing a life jacket.

Cold-water conditions make it extremely difficult for boaters to safely get to shore in the event they go overboard. The Maine Warden Service reminds people of the importance of wearing life jackets while boating.