High Surf — Nantucket, Massachusetts

2017-08-16 · Nantucket, Massachusetts

Event narrative

A lifeguard rescuing a group of distressed swimmers outside of the lifeguarded area of Nobadeer Beach discovered a man floating face-down in the water late in the morning. The lifeguard and three off-duty lifeguards brought the 47-year-old man to shore and performed CPR until a Nantucket Fire Department ambulance arrived shortly after noon to transport the man to the hospital. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Waves on the south shore of the island were estimated at twelve feet, with strong rip currents in place. The beach was double red-flagged to indicate that swimming was not allowed. A High Surf Advisory was in effect.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Gert moved north toward New England on August 14 and spread a high swell toward the region. Gert then turned toward the northeast on August 15 and then moved out to sea. Heavy surf spread along the southern coast of Massachusetts by Wednesday morning August 16, then diminished Wednesday night.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 713498. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.