FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (WPRI) -- The search for a missing boater in Fairhaven is over.
The U.S. Coast Guard said Gary Alves, 57, of East Freetown was found alive just before 6 a.m. Saturday. Officials say he was found walking on a beach near Hoppy's Landing -- not far from where he originally set sail. Alves told investigators he was hit in the head by the boom of his boat, and knocked unconscious. When he woke up, he was lying in a marsh.
The police say Alves left work around 12:30 p.m. Friday for an afternoon sail. He was last heard from around 2:30 p.m. when he called work to say he was running behind, and would be back later than expected. One of his employees called police when he did not return to work. An officer found his empty boat washed ashore on West Island town beach later that evening. A cell phone and a bag containing some of his belongings was found inside the vessel.
The police and fire departments from Fairhaven, New Bedford, and Mattapoisett -- as well as the Coast Guard all assisted in the search, which continued through the night in the waters around West Island.
The Fairhaven police are investigating the incident. Alves was taken to St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford to be checked out. There's no word on his condition.