Fisherman drowned off Fairhaven?

[JohnR]

Just saw on Ch12 that a fisherman drowned off Fairhaven at the Causeway?

[onecastmike2003]

thats so sad.
how old was this man?

[cardnial77]

— 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.”

[luds]

Very sad. It hits home.

[Redsoxticket]

As a teenager I recall diving in the water against the current at that very spot. My neck was hurting after one dive and that was the last dive.

[ilovetwofish]

Very sad, fishing the rocks is very dangerous if your not geared properly and extremily careful. Every time i see some yahoo with out korkers I say to my self it wont be long before he goes in.

[Fish On]

Very sad. I wish his family the best.

[EricM]

A tragedy. Sounds like a deadly combination of a dangerous area plus the guy not being a strong swimmer...terrible.

[fishbones]

Another terrible tragedy. Unfortunately, we hear so many of these stories and in a lot of cases it could have been prevented. Another wake up call for everyone here to be safe and not take chances. I didn't think that area was very dangerous if it is where I think it is (next to Earls Marina). I used to spend my summers on West Island and fish there by myself when I was a little kid. I used to see lots of teenagers jumping in the water and climbing back up the rocks.