MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – A 23-year-old woman apparently drowned while swimming in the chilly Crystal Lake on Sunday after spending the night at a college graduation party, an official said.

The Concord resident was last seen sitting near the lake early Sunday. Friends later noticed that she was missing and a search revealed her clothes near the shore, said Conservation Officer Sgt. Jim Juneau of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

A home owner went out on a boat and found the body lying in the lake just short of a swim raft that was anchored in the lake. Authorities were notified and the body was recovered at 3:15 p.m., Juneau said by telephone.

The lake water temperature has remained in the mid-50 degrees, and it is possible that the victim was overwhelmed by the conditions.

after plunging into the water, Juneau said.

Preliminary indications point to an accidental drowning, but an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death and whether alcohol or other factors contributed to the death, he said.

Officials did not release the name of the victim, but said her family lives in southern New Hampshire.

AP-ES-05-27-07 2143EDT