The Lakeville Fire Department, in conjunction with the Lakeville Police Department, responded shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday to the area of Big Beach in the Clark Shores neighborhood following reports that a passenger had fallen from a personal watercraft on Long Pond.
The initial response included Car 1, Ambulance 3, Squad 3 towing Marine 2, Ambulance 1, and Squad 2. Marine 2 was launched from Big Beach in Clark Shores and responded to the victim’s last known location to begin search operations.
The Lakeville Police and Fire Departments established a unified command and coordinated a large-scale mutual aid response involving numerous local, regional, and state public safety agencies. Assisting agencies included the Freetown Fire Department, Freetown Police Department, Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Dive Team, Plymouth County Technical Rescue Dive Team, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department (Plymouth County Control), and the Providence Canteen.
Search operations included six watercraft, two unmanned aerial systems (drones), the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, and two regional dive teams. These resources were utilized throughout the operation as rescue efforts ultimately transitioned to a recovery mission.
Authorities located the victim during the early morning hours. The victim has been identified by law enforcement as a 24-year-old woman from Brockton. The incident remains under investigation by the Lakeville Police Department, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
During the operation, Lakeville paramedics evaluated and treated a bystander at the incident command post. The individual did not require transport to a hospital. Ambulance 1 was also temporarily diverted from the scene to respond to an unrelated medical emergency elsewhere in Lakeville before returning to support operations as resources allowed.
All emergency personnel cleared the scene at approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday.
The Lakeville Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Scott Joyce and off-duty Freetown Fire Lieutenant Keith Mello for their assistance in supporting the dive operations. The department also thanks the Clark Shores Association for the use of its facilities and the support provided throughout the incident.
The department is grateful for the exceptional cooperation and professionalism demonstrated by all responding agencies. In particular, we recognize the dedication of our on-duty personnel and the recalled firefighters who responded to assist during this prolonged and challenging operation.
The members of the Lakeville Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.
