One Dead, One Missing in Reported OUI Boatin Accident- Marshfield, MA (-7-17-11)

MARSHFIELD, Mass. -- The Coast Guard and Marshfield emergency officials searched through the weekend for a man who fell overboard in Marshfield harbor Saturday evening.

Witnesses said they saw the boat slam into the jetty at Brant Rock at about 8:30 p.m.

"The two kids were in the boat, the boat hit the jetty," said family friend Francine Isleb.

"I saw the boat starting to spin on its side and then it started spiraling around," said witness Emily Stappen. "And then I saw two bodies in the water."

A 17-year-old kayaker reportedly rescued Justin MacDonald, 22, the operator of the boat.

Coast guard officials said MacDonald jumped in the water from his moving vessel to help a friend Zach Wood, 23, who had fallen overboard.

Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson said neither man was wearing a life vest.

"They were over in the Hummerock area and they were coming back south to the Green Harbor area and the accident occurred," said Robinson. "We know at least the second victim ended up in the water just off shore here. We're not exactly sure just when the first victim went in the water -- that's why we have such a wide search party."

Wood has not been located.

Searchers located a backpack Wood was reportedly wearing.

"His backpack was noticed in the water, but there's been nothing else as far as the victim," said Robinson.


Rescue boats and a helicopter were involved in the search.

Fire officials said rescue efforts were stopped at 2 a.m. Recovery divers were back at the scene early Sunday morning.

"That's all I can think of is his mother, father, sister -- and he has a girlfriend," said Stappen. "I mean this is a closed-knit community."

Police have charged MacDonald with operating under the influence. He was released on $10,000 cash bail and was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

wcvb.com

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