Ice Hampers Search for Bridge Jumper

The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its search for a person who jumped from the Mount Hope Bridge at around 1:15 p.m. on Friday in front of several motorists.

Several fire department marine boats were unable to respond because of ice conditions in the bay, said Portsmouth Dep. Fire Chief Michael P. O’Brien, including crews from Bristol and the state police.

Also joining the search was a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Otis Air Station and a vessel from Castle Hill.

The only fire department vessel that was able to respond was Portsmouth Marine 2, which was aided by staff from New England Boat Works, who were able to “punch through the ice,” O’Brien said.

Crews spent more than two hours searching for the missing, unidentified man and the Coast Guard was continuing the search as nightfall approached.

Marine 2 encountered problems on its way back to the East Passage Yachting Center due to the ice. Ice floes slowed the vessel, prompting the crew to radio the Coast Guard for assistance at one point, but was able to break free on their own.

“Crews from New England Boat Works continued efforts to keep the marina open, allowing the Portsmouth Fire vessel to return to the dock safely,” O’Brien said.

Photos:

1. 1.Portsmouth Marine 2 as it returns to East Passage Yachting Center
2. Frozen-over Marine 2 tying up back at the dock
3. Visibility was hampered by spray freezing over windshield (Lt. Dan Smith pictured)

Photos Courtesy: Portsmouth Fire Department