Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Teen helped save the life of duck hunter who fell into water in Mass., officials say
“At these temperatures, seconds matter.”
Authorities in Marion are crediting a teen for acting quickly to help save the life of a duck hunter who fell out of his boat Monday morning.
Authorities said emergency dispatchers received a 911 call around 7:59 a.m. reporting that a man had fallen out of his boat into the water about 200 yards off the shore of Silvershell Beach. At the scene, police and the harbor master found that the duck hunter, a 19-year-old man, had pulled himself back into the boat but was suffering from severe hypothermia.
Police said at the time, the air temperature was 21 degrees and the water temperature was 34 degrees.
Advertisement:
The 19-year-old was taken by ambulance to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, and authorities said Monday his condition was unknown.
Police said the initial investigation indicates that the 19-year-old was duck hunting with a friend. The friend, a 17-year-old, was hunting on the shore when he noticed the 19-year-old was no longer in the boat and called 911.
“Clearly, it was a good heads up that the younger individual was able to make a quick phone call to 911 to get resources out there,” Fire Chief Brian Jackvony said in a statement. “I’m happy he made that call immediately. It doesn’t take long for hypothermia to kick in.”
Advertisement:
In a statement, Marion Harbormaster Adam Murphy urged boaters to take precautions during the winter months.
“Be sure to have all the proper safety equipment with you when you’re out there hunting,” he said. “At these temperatures, seconds matter.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com