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




































