Officials say missing 72-year-old diver found deceased on Cape Cod

DENNIS — The Dennis Fire Department, with assistance from multiple public safety partners, responded Wednesday afternoon to a report of a missing diver off Sesuit Harbor.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Dennis Fire received a report that a 72-year-old man had gone missing while diving approximately two nautical miles north-northwest of Sesuit Harbor.

Dennis Fire personnel responded to Sesuit Harbor and launched Marine Unit 2 to begin searching for the diver.

Marine units from the Barnstable and Sandwich Fire Departments responded to assist, while the U.S. Coast Guard provided aerial support. The Barnstable County Technical Dive Rescue Team was also activated to provide additional search and recovery capabilities.

A Unified Command was established at Sesuit Harbor by the Dennis Fire and Police Departments. The Dennis and Harwich Harbormasters also assisted with the search operation.

Following a coordinated search, the diver was located and recovered at approximately 5:30 p.m. Dennis Fire personnel transported him back to Sesuit Harbor aboard Marine Unit 2, where he was pronounced dead.

The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Detective Unit attached to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, with assistance from Dennis Police.

“This was a coordinated response with significant resources on the water, in the air, and on the shore,” said Chief Chris Guerreiro. “I want to recognize the efforts of our firefighters and thank the many agencies that responded quickly to assist us. We are grateful for their professionalism and partnership during a difficult operation. We offer our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.”

The Dennis Fire Department thanks all responding agencies and personnel who assisted during Wednesday’s incident.