Search for Man Missing in Connecticut River Suspended

Officials have suspended the search for a man who went missing in the Connecticut River in the area of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and Gillette Castle State Park Sunday night.

State environmental officials have not released the man's name, but said he is a 42-year-old from Meriden.

He was with some friends and some children when officials were alerted that he was last seen struggling in the water in Lyme around 6 p.m.

“(He) went into the water, had some trouble, possible boat wake might have come by. We’re not sure. We’re still investigating that,” said Captain Keith Williams.

A massive search was launched, which included the State Police Dive Team, Middletown Dive Team, several area fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The area can be tough for searching and for swimming.

“It’s not a designated swimming area. The currents there aren’t considerably strong. But again you have 33 feet of water right there and it’s still influenced by the tide,” said Williams.

Fireboats on the river slowed down other vessels and kept them away from the search area.

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