Body of missing swimmer found in waters off the Massachusetts coast

PSWICH — Chief Paul Nikas reports that the Ipswich Police Department and several partner agencies have located the body of a swimmer who went missing this morning in the area of Crane Beach.

The swimmer, Eric Pecina, 24, of Ipswich, was found at approximately 4:55 p.m. today in the area of Grape Island. He was pronounced dead on site, and his next of kin has been notified.

Ipswich Police were dispatched to Crane Beach after park rangers located a backpack unattended on the beach this morning at approximately 9:30 a.m.

After conducting an on-scene investigation, officers determined that the bag belonged to Pecina and identified a car outside the gate as belonging to him as well. Officers made contact with the man’s friends, who indicated that he’d planned to go swimming. Police believe, based on the location of his car, that the man arrived prior to the park opening at 8 a.m.

A coordinated search and rescue effort was conducted today by Ipswich Police, Ipswich Fire, the U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts State Police Dive Team, Quincey Police Harbor Unit, Salisbury Harbor Unit and the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Ipswich Police and the Massachusetts State Police CPAC Unit are investigating this incident, however an initial investigation indicates the cause of death is accidental.