A Sunday swim in Duxbury Bay ended in tragedy for 66-year-old resident James Merlin, who was pulled from the water by bystanders and later died at a hospital, according to town officials. Witnesses and an off-duty police officer tried to revive him with CPR before first responders arrived, officials said. Merlin was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth, where he was pronounced dead. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office is leading the investigation.
Investigators on scene
The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, working with state and local police, said the incident took place in the area of 241 Marshall Street and that no foul play is suspected, according to NBC10 Boston. The outlet reports Merlin was formally identified Monday as the swimmer pulled from the bay.
Rescue efforts
Bystanders swam out to reach Merlin and brought him back to shore, where an off-duty Duxbury police officer immediately began CPR, according to Boston 25 News. The station reports that 911 calls started coming in shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, with callers reporting a swimmer in distress in Duxbury Bay off Bradford Road. The Duxbury Fire Department and harbormaster then arrived and coordinated Merlin's transfer to an ambulance.
Family details
Family members told police that Merlin had walked from his home to the beach shortly before the incident and planned to swim out to his boat so he could take it to a nearby marina, according to The Patriot Ledger. Authorities have not disclosed many additional details as the inquiry continues.
Investigation ongoing
The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said on social media that state and local police are assisting with the investigation and that officials are reviewing the circumstances surrounding Merlin's death. Investigators have asked anyone with information to contact authorities. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office also reiterated that there are no signs of foul play at this time.
