'Body' Found In Cape Cod Marsh Turns Out To Be Mannequin

HARWICH, MA — The Harwich Fire Department issued a stern message to possible pranksters after it pulled what was believed to be a body from the marsh Monday. A "body" was pulled from the water near the North Road footbridge in Bell's Neck following a multi-agency effort that included dive teams.

Rescuers had to use a small boat because the marsh area was difficult to reach. Harwich Fire Dept. Lt. Scott Tyldesley told Boston 25 they saw what was believed to be a person in the water, but "the color of the skin just looked a bit off."

Upon recovery, crews realized it was a mannequin.

"The result of this 'false' alarm was tying up valuable resources and the expenditure of overtime funds to conduct the recovery," the Harwich Fire Department said in a statement. "Ultimately the answer is this, the fire department will always respond to these type of incidents but what might appear to be a funny prank is a waste of assets and puts personnel at risk."

Tyldesley told Boston 25 the response was a "great training exercise."

Officials do not yet know how the mannequin ended up in the marsh. If it is found the mannequin was placed there on purpose, charges could be filed.