Photo: Sheila Paras / Moment / Getty Images
HOPKINTON, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - The body of 21-year-old Wilinson J. Orbequito of Hopkinton, has been recovered from Lake Maspenock after the young man failed to return to shore Friday evening.
Authorities received a 911 call around 8 p.m., the caller reporting a swimmer failed to return to Sandy Beach after a swim with friends. The group had gone beyond the safe-swimming zone in Lake Maspenock. First responders immediately began a search, but with severe weather, their efforts were interrupted several times.
"We responded to the scene along with the Hopkinton Fire Department, and we have worked as a team with Interim Chief Daugherty's firefighters throughout this operation," Police Chief Joseph Bennett said. "The efforts of Police Sgt. Bill Burchard and Fire Lt. Scott Jurasek resulted in a cohesive effort that brought together all our resources."
"Lt. Jurasek's swift actions allowed us to begin a search operation immediately," said Interim Fire Chief Gary Daugherty. " We faced a number of obstacles during the search, including limited visibility and thick weeds in the lake. We decided around midnight to halt the recovery effort and return in the morning when conditions are safer."
Friday night's search was called off around midnight and resumed Saturday morning around 6 a.m.
The body of the 21-year-old was recovered around 8:15 a.m., about 90-feet from the shore, along the buoy line.
Officials are asking swimmers to follow safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First, always use the buddy system, and try not to swim alone. Second, make note of local weather conditions, and remember those conditions can change in an instant, especially here in New England. And finally, watch out for hidden hazards in the water, like rocks, weeds, and other things that can limit visibility.
This is a developing story
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