New Bedford Harbor Drowning Under Active Investigation

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Authorities are investigating after a man drowned in New Bedford Harbor recently.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that Jason Vasquez, 51, of New Bedford apparently drowned in the harbor on Saturday, January 31.

Where the Victim Was Last Seen

According to the D.A.’s Office, investigators learned that Vasquez was last seen on Wednesday, January 28, after he visited a local adult establishment.

He was reported missing on Friday, January 30 by his boss when Vasquez’s vehicle was found in the parking lot of his employer, New Bedford Shipyard and Shoreline. Vasquez worked on a vessel there.

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Discovery by New Bedford Police Marine Unit

New Bedford Police responded to the scene, and the next day, Vasquez was located in the harbor a short distance from the vessel he worked on by the New Bedford Police Marine Unit. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Investigation Continues

The drowning remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the D.A.’s Office and New Bedford Police.

Massachusetts Unresolved Cases Playing Cards

Playing cards are being distributed to inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities depicting the victims of unsolved murders and disappearances in the hopes that some inmates may recognize them and help bring closure to their cases.

Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg