Emergency crews searching for woman swept into water at Cape Spear

Emergency crews were working to find the body of a woman who was swept into the water at Cape Spear Wednesday afternoon.

St. John's Regional Fire Department Platoon Chief Dean Foley told CBC News Wednesday evening they received initial reports around 4 p.m. of a car in the water, but later learned a man and a woman were swept into the water.

The man was rescued and went to hospital in an ambulance, he said. There is no word on his condition.

"All I know is they were down too close to the water, and one of the waves unfortunately took the lady underwater," Foley said.

"At this time, we would — I would — consider this a recovery," he said.

WATCH | Chief Dean Foley says he believes there is 'no likelihood' that the woman survived:

Fire chief describes search and rescue operation for woman swept into ocean near Cape Spear

6 hours ago

Duration 1:22

St. John’s Regional Fire Department platoon Chief Dean Foley describes the search and rescue operation at Cape Spear on Wednesday evening. A man and a woman were swept into the ocean. While the man was rescued and transported to hospital, the search for the woman continues.

Foley said they've turned the scene over to the RNC and the Canadian Coast Guard, who have vessels in the water and a helicopter in the air.

Search efforts have been scaled back because of darkness, but a small boat is continuing to scour the shoreline.

A heavy presence of emergency vehicles remains on scene. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area while the operation is ongoing.

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