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Wilmington scuba diver dies after being pulled from Rockport waters - The Boston Globe
A scuba diver from Wilmington was pulled unresponsive from the water at Rockport’s Pebble Beach Thursday morning and later pronounced dead, according to authorities.
Police received a call for a diver in distress at the beach shortly after 10:05 a.m. When they arrived at the scene, public safety personnel found a trio of people surrounding the diver, who was later identified Andrzej Holowenczak, 53. First responders immediately administered CPR and Holowenczak was taken via ambulance to Gloucester’s Addison Gilbert Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities think Holowenczak was in a scuba diving group that consisted of himself and three others. While in the water, members of the group noticed he was unresponsive, pulled him to shore, and then called 911, police said.
No foul play is suspected. The investigation remains active.
Rockport and Gloucester firefighters also responded to the scene, according to police.
During a phone interview Thursday night, David Donnell, a neighbor of Holowenczak’s, said he had a passion for scuba diving.
“He was definitely experienced,” said Donnell, who has known Holowenczak for more than a decade. “That’s why I’m thrown for a loop.”
Donnell said he watched Holowenczak’s dog, a black labrador retriever named Kelly, last year when Holowenczak visited relatives in Poland, where he grew up. He said Holowenczak had a middle school-aged daughter, with whom he shared a love of scuba diving.
“He was a good neighbor and he’s going to be missed,” said Donnell.