CHESTER, CT (WFSB) -
The search for a man who went missing while swimming on the Connecticut River is now being called a recovery mission.
"At this point, yes, it is a confirmed drowning," said Dep. Chief James Grzybowski, of the Chester Fire Department. "We just haven't located him yet."
Officials said Dariusz Czarnota, 37, was swimming with his brother Sunday when he dove off a dock near the Pattaconk Yacht Club in Chester. Czarnota's brother made it to the family boat, but Czarnota never surfaced.
"He was swimming on the Connecticut River towards the boat, towards his brother," Grzybowski said. "When he got on the boat the brother went to reach for him and he just went under."
Crews are using a grid format to locate Czarnota, however, severe weather Sunday slowed rescue efforts for a time.
State police dive teams are assisting in the search, along with teams from several surrounding towns. The U.S. Coast Guard was also involved in the search, officials said.
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