Hi Joe,
Just to update your readers. We had a tragic event take place last evening just after 5pm. 2 individuals, a male and female (now identified as Evelyn Howe, 46, of Gloucester and David Machado, 49, of Rhode Island) were near the water at Brace Cove at Eastern Point when the sea apparently swept the male into the water, followed by the female. The weekend had brought us strong winds that had churned the sea up with heavy swells and apparently the two were caught off guard (we are still investigating this accident). The Coast Guard and Gloucester Police Boat were launched within moments of the 911 call and the two were found in the water, face down at approx.5:53pm. The Police Boat was recently refitted with new, more powerful engines, had it’s bottom hull resurfaced, and we had installed a FLEER heat signature identification system. This allowed us to reach the area of the accident, find the individuals and speed them back to land much quicker than our abilities had been in the past. The individuals were spotted in the water by GPD Officer Chris Frates and Officer Anthony Giacalone. While lifting the two out of the water, the Coast Guard simultaneously manuevered along side the GPD boat and boarded with two of their officers who performed CPR and lifesaving measures while we sped back to the Coast Guard Station and awaiting medical personnel. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the Coast Guard, Gloucester Police and Fire Departments and personnel at Addison Gilbert Hospital, they were unable to be resusitated.
This is a tragic event for the families of the two victims as well as the community. A very hard lesson from the sea that, while enormously beautiful and majestic, should always be approached and enjoyed with respect and extreme caution, as the ocean follows no rules or schedule and its unpredictability can cause this type of tragedy. Thanks and please keep the families of these two victims in your thoughts and prayers.
Leonard Campanello
Chief of Police
Good Morning Gloucester 
so sad
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Such a tragedy. We are very fortunate to have a Chief of Police like Leonard Campanello. I’ve posted a few advisories on GMG about our shoreline hazards, and this one is particularly relevant: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/this-jacket-and-jim-mccoy-saved-my-life/ After reviewing the comments on that post of 2/27/13, I’d like to address this comment: “It’s safer to be swept away by the ocean in the summer when the water is warm.” Bull. If you’re tossed about by a wave and hit your head, water temperature is not a factor, because you are unconscious and breathing sea water. As Chief Campanello says: “The ocean follows no rules or schedule in its unpredictability.” Going beyond the fragility of our bodies along the shoreline, there’s statement in Sebstian Junger’s famous book (The Perfect Storm) that has stuck in my mind for 15 years: “There is no such thing as a big ship in the ocean.” Be safe my friends, at the shore or on a boat. PFDs are cheap. Your life?
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Can you get past the boulders to rescue anyone in distress at Brace’s Cove and beyond? Are they still there presenting a fire hazard to such a fragile eco-system? Will the guards have to waste precious time having emergency vehicles sign in or first responders who just happen to be in the area? I can remember so many times just passing through even if it was once or twice a year or coming home from being away for some time and thinking of it as part of home. Our beautiful city. The obstacles will stick in my craw forever, especially when a visitor asks what the breakwater is and you tell them but have to add, “but you can’t go there.” I’ve seen cities where the police will inform you that a certain area is unsafe but never off limits.
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