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UMass Boston student falls from boat into harbor during reception
The student fell from the top deck of a vessel into Boston Harbor.
A UMass Boston student fell off a boat into Boston Harbor during a reception on Friday, and was later rescued safely by another vessel.
UMass Boston Police responded to the Fox Point Boat Dock at about 2:30 p.m, according to a redacted police report obtained by Boston.com. Officers were told that a student had fallen from the boat’s top deck into a “deep-watered” section the harbor.
Officials did not release the name of the student, who was pulled safely from the harbor by people on a passing boat, according to UMass Boston Director of Communications DeWayne Lehman.
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A reception was being held for students that had worked summer jobs with the City of Boston, Lehman said.
They had gathered on the M/V Columbia Point, a 62-foot U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel that can carry 110 passengers. The ship is used to “provide support in the areas of academic research, K-12 educational programs, and marine transportation charters,” according to the UMass Boston website. There is “bench style” seating on the main and upper decks.
The student could be seen treading water while onlookers called out for another boat to throw a life preserver, WCVB reported.
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After being rescued, the student was examined by the school’s Health Services. In their report, police noted that “a concern for a possible head-injury was identified,” and the student was advised to seek further medical examination at a hospital. Instead, the student opted to head home. An officer gave them a courtesy ride.
Coast Guard personnel reportedly interviewed staff that were aboard at the time and inspected the vessel afterwards. UMass Boston is planning to conduct its own investigation of the incident.
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