Police recover body of missing 24-year-old swimmer near Crane Beach in Ipswich

BOSTON (AP) — Authorities say they have recovered the body of a man who disappeared while apparently out for a swim at Crane Beach.

Police in Ipswich say Eric Pecina’s body was found just before 5 p.m. Friday in the area of Grape Island in Plum Island Sound. Authorities say Pecina was a 24-year-old local resident.

Police say an initial investigation suggests the death was accidental.

Police began their search Friday morning after finding an unattended backpack at the beach. They later found Pecina’s car parked nearby, and tracked down friends who said he had planned to go swimming.

Several public safety agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard joined in the search effort.