Eastham police respond to beach emergency, one dead

EASTHAM — An emergency response at First Encounter Beach on Saturday morning ended tragically when a kiteboarder was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water, according to the Eastham Police Department.

The incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. when police and fire department personnel were dispatched following reports of an unconscious individual receiving CPR from bystanders.

Upon arrival, first responders entered the water and swam to the victim, taking over life-saving efforts.

A paddleboard was used to bring the victim back to shore, and the individual was subsequently transported to Cape Cod Hospital by the Eastham Fire Department.

Despite these efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The victim was kiteboarding before the incident, but it remains unclear whether the cause was an accident related to the sport or a separate medical issue.

The ongoing investigation has not yielded direct witnesses to the event.

During the rescue, two Eastham Police Officers exhibited symptoms consistent with saltwater inhalation and hypothermia.

One officer was admitted to the hospital overnight for observation, but both are expected to recover fully.

In the wake of the tragedy, the victim’s identity is being withheld out of respect for their family and friends, whom the department has asked the community to keep in their thoughts and prayers.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Orleans Fire Department, and the Massachusetts State Police are aiding in the investigation.