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— A New Bedford man drowned off the West Island causeway this morning after he slipped on the rocks while fishing, fell in the water and was dragged by the current, police said.
Police identified the victim as Matthew Primus, 32, of Arnold Street, New Bedford.
The drowning occurred around 10:50 a.m.
Fairhaven Police Chief Gary F. Souza said Mr. Primus had been fishing on the south side of the causeway, near the opening, when he fell in the water and the strong current took him out.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after Mr. Primus fell and Officer Jarold Bettencourt jumped in the water. With the help of other officers and witnesses, they were able to remove Mr. Primus from the water and perform CPR.
Mr. Primus was later declared dead at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.
Chief Souza said police believe Mr. Primus wasn’t a very strong swimmer.
He said fishing is allowed in the causeway, as opposed to swimming, but discouraged it.
“It’s dangerous,” he said. “People have to be very careful because the rocks get slippery.”
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