Jake O’Callaghan/CWN
HARWICH – Harwich Fire, Harbormaster and the Coast Guard were called to search off Bank Street Beach after reports of a missing swimmer shortly before 8 PM Friday. Crews searched along the shore and in boats. A helicopter was requested but not able to respond due to dense fog. About 9:15 PM, the shoreline search was scaled back. The boats were searching a bit more. No reports of a missing person had been received.
Update from Harwich Police: At approximately 7:30 Friday night the Harwich Fire Department was notified of a possible missing swimmer off of Bank St beach.
Witnesses reported seeing a swimmer between 20 to 100 feet off shore, not in distress. They then reported not being able to see the swimmer after a short time. No one was observed coming ashore.
The Harwich Harbormaster immediately deployed Marine 77 and began searching the water. Harwich Fire personnel checked the beach in both directions looking for signs of a swimmer coming ashore or belongings.
Additionally Chatham, Dennis and Yarmouth Harbormaster departments assisted in searching the water. Harwich divers were activated while the County Dive team was on standby.
US Coast Guard Station Chatham along with Southeast Sector sent resources to assist with the search.
After over an hour of searching the water, it was decided to suspend the search. No additional information had been received to confirm anyone was missing.
The two witnesses did exactly the right thing by calling 911 and then staying in the spot they last saw the swimmer.
Harwich Police assisted at the beach, as well as on Marine 77.
Special Signal Fire Association / Providence Canteen provided coffee and water to personnel operating at the incident.
We are grateful for the support of all the surrounding town and agencies.
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