A swimmer was reported missing in Chatfield State Park on Friday afternoon and a dive team working on recovering a body from the lake suspended operations at about dusk.
The person was reported missing from the park’s swim beach about 3:20 p.m., and the South Metro Fire Rescue Dive Team searched water on the south end of the Catfish Flats area until about 8 p.m., according to SMFR and park officials.
The swimmer was last seen about 60 feet from the shoreline in about an 18-foot depth of water, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Dive Rescuers are on the water and being assisted by Rangers. The last seen point has been marked and sonar is being used to look for the missing person.
— South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO)
West Metro Fire Rescue and park rangers assisted the dive team, which used sonar in the process, and attempts to recover the body included the use of a human chain, officials said.
Update – A mayday has been declared at Chatfield State Park. A rescue boat has capsized in gusty thunderstorm winds. All occupants are accounted for and being rescued by other personnel. Updates to follow.
— South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO)
At about 5:15 p.m. gusty winds, part of a passing storm, capsized a rescue boat, SMFR said. All rescue personnel were accounted for and safe after the weather mayday.
The dive team searched until about 8 p.m. and then called off operations because of darkness. Parks and wildlife continued to use a remote operated vehicle in the effort into the night.
