One swimmer was found dead Monday and another is missing after jumping off the “Jaws Bridge” on Martha’s Vineyard, which was featured in pivotal scenes in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 shark thriller, officials said.
The pair were among four friends who were reported missing while swimming shortly before 11:30 p.m. Sunday, a Coast Guard spokesman told The Post.
“Fortunately, two of them recovered quite quickly and without injury,” the spokesman said.
The “Jaws Bridge”, famous for appearing in scary scenes in the 1975 shark thriller, is a popular attraction for thrill-seeking divers. Martha’s Vineyard. Google Maps
“We searched overnight for the other two,” who were 21 and 27, the representative said.
The body of one was found shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday “and we are still searching for the other swimmer,” the spokesman said.
Massachusetts State Police also had planes and boats assisting in the search, along with the Edgartown Fire Department and the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office.
It was not immediately clear what the cause of death was or how the four initially got into trouble, the representative stressed.
However, the bridge is “a very popular swimming spot” and “swimming anywhere at night can be dangerous,” the spokesman stressed.
Although it is officially called the American Legion Memorial Bridge, it is so well known as the “Bridge of Jaws” that it was referred to as such in messages sent out about the search by the police and Coast Guard.
Despite its terrifying reputation from the Spielberg blockbuster, it has become a local attraction for swimmers, with people lining up to dive in defiance of the warning signs.
So far, there is no suggestion that sharks were involved in Monday’s tragic recovery.