Nantucket reports three drownings in recent weeks

On Saturday, a 31-year-old man died following an apparent drowning at Ladies Beach on Nantucket. The death marks the third drowning incident on the island this summer. 

At 4:15 p.m., Nantucket emergency services were alerted to a situation at Ladies Beach, where a swimmer was reported unresponsive after being pulled from the water. 

Fire Chief Michael Cranson told the Boston Globe that the beach was unguarded at the time of the incident, and bystanders called 911. Lifeguards from the nearest guarded beach responded to the scene. 

According to a press release from the Nantucket Fire Department, the lifeguards acted swiftly and initiated lifesaving measures upon removing the man from the water. 

The Nantucket Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after at 4:22 p.m. and worked in coordination with the lifeguards, the release said. The Nantucket Fire Department transported the man to a waiting ambulance, which took him to Nantucket Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time,” the release said. 

The fire department did not give the man’s name. 

Miacomet Beach death:

The death came five days after another man was pulled unresponsive from the water and later died, Cranson to the Globe. 

According to a separate press release from the Nantucket Fire Department, rescuers pulled an unresponsive man from Miacomet Beach on Monday, Aug. 5.

At around 4 p.m., Nantucket firefighters responded to an emergency call regarding an unresponsive man in the water at Miacomet Beach. 

Nantucket lifeguards were the first on the scene. They pulled the man from the water and started life-saving measures. The man was then taken to a waiting ambulance in the parking lot. 

Fire department personnel took him to Nantucket Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Triathlon tragedy:

On July 20, a participant in the Nantucket Triathlon died while competing in the swimming segment of the race. 

Bill Burnett, founder of race organizer Streamline Events, said in a statement at the time that the participant experienced a “medical emergency” during the swim. 

The Nantucket Triathlon course spans across the whole island. It consists of swimming 600 yards, biking 13.5 miles, and running 3.5 miles.

“We ask that the entire island and all visiting athletes stand with and support the family and friends impacted by this tragedy,” Burnett said. “They need our love and prayers.”