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Windsurfer swept from board is rescued off Dennis

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 22, 2009 05:40 PM

By Stewart Bishop, Globe Correspondent

A Cape Cod windsurfer missing after a large wave knocked him off his board was rescued today after spending nearly two hours in the rough surf, authorities said.

The man was surfing at Chapin Beach in Dennis at about 1 p.m. when the wave hit. Another windsurfer was able to toss him a life vest, but was unable to help him further because of the harsh conditions and went ashore and called for help.

Multiple agencies responded to the call.

"It was very much a team effort," said Coast Guard Petty Officer Zack Zubricki. "We had boats from Dennis and Barnstable fire departments, Dennis and Barnstable harbor masters, and we dispatched boats and a helicopter. Fortunately, Barnstable was able to get to him before our boats arrived."

Lieutenant Stephen Iacovelli of the Barnstable Fire Department said seas were at least 14 feet.

"When the tide goes out in Barnstable Harbor, and you get Northern winds like we had today, you get really huge waves," he said.

Iacovelli was captain of the vessel that rescued the man, who has not been identified, and said rescuers found him well over a mile offshore.

"When we found him, he had been in the water for almost two hours," he said. "Fortunately he was wearing a protective suit. The water's about 64 degrees out there."

Iacovelli said the man showed signs of hypothermia but otherwise was in decent condition. "He was cold and wet, but happy to see us," he said.

The man was taken to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.