A widespread search for a missing boater was underway early Thursday evening, July 2, in the water south of Barrington Beach.

According to Barrington Fire Chief Gerald Bessette, the department received a phone call at about 5:30 p.m. for "an overdue boater." A short time later, the Barrington harbormaster, fire department, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Managament, U.S. Coast Guard and others had responded to the area south of Barrington Beach and east of Conimicut Lighthouse and started searching.

Police and fire department vehicles filled the western portion of the parking lot at Barrington Beach, and news cameras set on tripods pointed southwest toward the water. Chief Bessette stood at the far western edge of the parking lot and spoke to members of the media and other officials.

By about 7 p.m., officials had sent divers into the water searching for the missing person. Chief Bessette would not offer details about who was missing.

According to Chief Bessette, the Coast Guard, which had also sent helicopters to aid in the search, was continuing to expand the area of the search because of the incoming tide and wind.

As the sun set and the sky began to grow darker, the lights of the DEM, police and fire department boats could still be seen in the water east of Conimicut Lighthouse.

"When the divers can't see, when it gets too dark, the Marine Task Force will cease," said Chief Bessette, adding that the Coast Guard will remain in the area and continue the search.

A small vessel could be seen in the area of the rescue boats. Chief Bessette confirmed that the small boat was involved in the incident. It had been anchored in the water just east of the shipping channel.

By about 8:15 p.m., DEM was preparing to take custody of the vessel.

Chief Bessette said search crews would be back on scene in the morning.

UPDATE: The Providence Journal is reporting on the identity of the missing person, believed to be Stas Antons, a member of a well-known area triathlon team.

Photos by Rich Dionne and Amy Kiley