A diver in the hole directs other rescuers to the location of a person through the ice at First Encounter Beach in Eastham
David Curran/Satellite News Service.
EASTHAM – From Eastham Police & Fire: At 9:07 AM Saturday morning the department received a report of a loose dog in the First Encounter Beach parking lot. The caller reported that the dog was wet and appeared to be in distress. An Eastham Officer arrived on scene and heard a woman screaming for help in the area of Bee’s River. The Officer located the female, who had fallen through the ice into the water and went out onto the ice and attempted to pull the woman out of the water. While attempting to save her the ice gave way and the officer and the woman were completely submerged into the water. A second officer arrived on scene and observed the officer that had entered the water attempting to pull himself back up onto the ice. The second officer attempted to go out onto the ice where the female had entered the water, however, as he made his way to that location the ice gave way and he fell into the water up to his waist. Both officers were able to successfully make it back to the shore.
The Eastham Fire Department arrived on scene and members of the fire department immediately initiated rescue efforts. The two officers that entered the water were transported to Cape Cod Hospital for evaluation due to entering the frigid water. The Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team and Dive Team was activated, and divers entered the water to attempt to locate the female that fell through the ice.
As rescuers were searching the water, an on-scene investigation revealed that the female party may have been out walking with her husband and dog. Based on items located in their vehicle and a check of their residence, it was determined that it was possible that the husband may have fallen through the ice prior to the officer’s arrival.
At 11:12 AM the Tech Team located the female party under the ice. She was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene. The Tech team is currently continuing to search the water for the husband. The area is still an active scene, and the public should avoid the area. The name of the deceased female and the missing male are being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.
Updated statement from Eastham Police & Fire: A joint message from Chief Albino, Eastham Fire Department and Chief Bohannon, Eastham Police Department regarding the tragic situation that unfolded at First Encounter Beach Earlier Saturday.
As reported earlier today, the Eastham Police and Fire Departments responded at 9 AM to an area at First Encounter Beach and located a woman approximately 30 feet from the shore who had fallen through the ice. Police officers went onto the ice in an attempt to rescue her but were unable to do so. Both officers fell through the ice but were able to get themselves back to the shore safely. Eastham Fire Department staff then entered the water in cold water suits but were unable to immediately locate the female victim. Multiple additional resources were called to the scene from the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team and Barnstable County Dive Team as well as drones from the Eastham Police Department and other partnering agencies including the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 11 AM, the female victim was located by members of the dive team and pronounced deceased at the scene. Through investigative measures during the incident, it was determined that a male subject, the husband of the female victim, was with her at the beach this morning walking their dog. It was determined that the male subject likely fell through the ice prior to the arrival of emergency personnel and did not resurface. An extensive search continued for the next 6 hours including all on-scene personnel, multiple divers, and an underwater remotely operated vehicle. At approximately 5 PM, all search operations were terminated for the night due to darkness. Additional search measures will continue tomorrow morning.
The dog was located on the beach and transported to safety by the Eastham Animal Control Officer. It was ultimately reunited with extended family.
Chief Albino and Chief Bohannon would like to commend the bravery and selfless actions of all involved first responders during this search in extremely difficult conditions. We would also like to offer heartfelt condolences from both the Eastham Police and Fire Departments to the
family of the victims.
The names of the victims are intentionally being withheld, pending the notification of all family members.
Updated statement from Eastham Police & Fire: On Sunday morning at approximately 7 AM, members of the Eastham Police and Fire Departments returned to Bee’s River at First Encounter Beach to conduct a follow up search. An Eastham Police drone was deployed for approximately 2 hours, providing an aerial search view of the entire Bee’s River area. An on-foot search was also conducted of the accessible shoreline. The search concluded at approximately 9 AM still without the second victim being located. Additional search efforts will be conducted when changes to the ice conditions occur, allowing access for public safety personnel.
At the request of the victims’ family, the names of the involved individuals are being withheld to protect their privacy during this incredibly challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with the entire family in the aftermath of this tragic incident.
