Latest news with #WesternMassachusettsRegionalDiveTeam
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Body of missing Chicopee kayaker recovered from Connecticut River
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The body of 27-year-old Niklas Delisle of Chicopee was recovered from the Connecticut River following an intensive, multi-agency search that spanned more than a week, authorities confirmed on Friday. Family of man missing in Connecticut River receive community support as search continues Delisle had been missing since May 19, when the kayak he and his girlfriend were in capsized on the Connecticut River in Holyoke. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19th, when Nicklas was out with his girlfriend on the Connecticut River, and their boat capsized. A fisherman saw the couple struggling in the water and went to help, but was only able to save Nicklas' girlfriend, whom he was with when he went missing. A wide-ranging search operation drew resources from multiple law enforcement and emergency response agencies across western Massachusetts. The Hampden County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Unit recovered Delisle's body as part of a coordinated effort involving the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team, Massachusetts State Police, and numerous local fire departments. 'This is a tragic loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Delisle family,' said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni in a statement. 'We appreciate the professionalism and compassion shown by everyone involved in the search and recovery efforts.' Sheriff Nick Cocchi also expressed his gratitude to all responding agencies and emphasized the ongoing nature of search efforts on the river. 'I am thankful that we, along with all our law-enforcement and first responder partners, were able to bring closure to one of the families on the Connecticut River. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Niklas Delisle. But we will remain on the water searching for Daniel Callahan in an attempt to bring his family some peace.' Crews are still looking for 26-year-old Daniel Callahan, who also went missing in the Connecticut River back on March 9th, and an unidentified individual from Franklin County. Eight boats, drones, and a helicopter have been utilized to scour the river and its surrounding areas. The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney's Office. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriff's Office staff trains year-round with dive team
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Despite the winter season, members of the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team, including staff from the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, continue to train to ensure they are prepared for water-related emergencies. Rep. Carlos González named Division Leader in Massachusetts House This month, the team conducted training sessions at the Westfield State University pool, refining essential dive techniques. With assistance from Myra Ahern of Westfield State University, the team practiced fundamental skills such as donning and doffing gear and mask clearing. They also tackled more advanced scenarios, including handling entanglements and performing self-rescue maneuvers. Off-season training is a crucial component of the dive team's readiness, allowing them to maintain their expertise and stay prepared for emergency situations throughout the year. The Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, often responding to incidents involving bodies of water across the region. By continuing their training year-round, the team reinforces its commitment to keeping communities safe, ensuring that its members are always ready to respond when needed. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.