2 swept out to sea, 1 killed in Gloucester

GLOUCESTER (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Strong currents swept two men out to sea within hours of each other. One of those men was killed.

At 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the Coast Guard received a call that a 67-year-old man had been swept off the rocks near Eastern Point.  The man was unresponsive after rescue crews attempted life saving techniques.

Police have identified the dead man as Nicholas Roussos of Belmont. He fell from a rock in Eastern Point, was pulled off the waters and was first taken to the Coast Guard station in Gloucester for emergency treatment before he was rushed Addison Gilberg Hospital.

Another man was swept into the ocean near Normans Woe Cove less than 2 hours later.  That man was taken to a local hospital.  His condition is unknown.

Despite the strong currents, beaches will remain open in Gloucester on Wednesday.  Lifeguards will be enforcing strict swimming regulations, however.

The Coast Guard released the following:

Rescue crews from Station Gloucester recovered two persons in the water near Normans Woe Cove and Eastern Point, Mass., Aug. 31, 2010.

Crews received a 911 call from a witness reporting a man who was knocked off the rocks and swept to sea at 4:36 p.m., near Normans Woe Cove.

A 25-foot rescue boat crew was on scene within minutes to find a man struggling in the water. Crews picked the man from the water and delivered him to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at 4:49 p.m. at Station Gloucester.

Crews also received a call earlier at approximately 3:15 p.m. reporting a similar incident near Eastern Point. Rescue crews responded and picked a 67-year old man from the water. Rescue crews began to conduct life saving techniques until he was transferred to EMS due to the man being unresponsive.

"With the upcoming holiday weekend, we would like those with plans that involve time on or near the water to be aware of the potential dangers associated with it," said Lt. Garrett Meyer, Chief of Incident Management Division Boston. "Accidents can occur quickly so please take note of your surroundings. Know the local forecast, utilize the buddy system and contact the Coast Guard or 911 immediately if you observe an incident."