Search efforts will resume Wednesday for a man swept down the Connecticut River in Holyoke after he went to a popular fishing spot with his girlfriend Monday night — though the looming threat of a nor’easter may force a temporary pause in the search.
Members from the Holyoke Fire Department were on the water by 7 a.m. on Wednesday, after they and crews from about 15 assisting departments were unable to find the missing man on Tuesday, according to Holyoke Fire Captain David Rex.
The firefighters and police officers plan to search waters and shores between the Holyoke Dam and the line of Chicopee and West Springfield on Wednesday.
However, search efforts are expected to conclude by 1 p.m. due to the impending weather. A nor’easter is on track to hit the state Wednesday night, and the rising waters and high winds would pose a major threat to rescuers on the water, Rex said.
The man went missing in the river after he and his girlfriend were fishing near the Holyoke Dam at around 8 p.m. on Monday night, according to Holyoke Fire Captain David Rex.
Officials did not provide names or other information about the two people.
With several other fishermen nearby at the time, the man and woman decided to boat across the water to a small island in a kayak or canoe, Rex said.
The couple’s boat capsized on their way back from the island and a fisherman jumped into the water to help, Rex said. The fisherman was able to rescue the woman, but her boyfriend was swept away into the water.
He was last seen going around the bend of the river as bystanders called 911, Rex said.
A rescue team immediately arrived on Monday night and began to search the waters with four boats and thermal drones, but were unsuccessful. Boats were again stretched on the river all the way to Agawam on Tuesday, Rex said, and officials had at least four drones and the Massachusetts State Police Airwing in the skies.
Rex said the area where the couple was on the river is a well-known spot for fishing, but can be “a tough spot to be on that water” and that life jackets are “a must.”
