Cape Cod Officials Respond To Beach For Reports Of Missing Swimmer, Deemed Unfounded

FALMOUTH, MA — Beachgoer reports of a missing swimmer brought a major police presence to a Cape Cod beach, but no one was found in the water, officials said.

On Tuesday around noon, Falmouth fire officials received a call from on-duty lifeguards at Old Silver Beach on Quaker Road in North Falmouth reporting a missing swimmer.

Fire and Rescue Department personnel with marine resources, along with the Town’s Harbor Master personnel and Police Department representatives, responded to the scene.

Officials said they were told at least two people on the beach reported a man swimming in a red shirt and baseball hat in distress off the beach.

They did not see him leave the water and became concerned, notifying the lifeguards, who immediately entered the water to begin looking for the swimmer. A call was also initiated to the Fire Department for a response at that point, officials said.

The Incident Commander requested mutual aid assistance, which prompted a response of fire department divers from the Mid and Upper Cape, the Barnstable County Sheriff's Drone Unit, the Massachusetts State Police airwing, Falmouth Marine Environmental Services, the USCG, the Environmental Police, along with Falmouth Police and Falmouth Fire Rescue personnel and Marine Boats.

A coordinated search was conducted off the public side of Old Silver Beach based on witness accounts. A search from the water and air ensued, and by 2:30 p.m., it was determined that this was a "good intent call" but deemed unfounded.

The search was suspended, and all units were placed back in service at that time.