Three individuals were swept away in the Duck River last Friday, but thanks to the swift actions of two good Samaritans, all were rescued. As reported by WSMV, the Maury County Fire Department (MCFD) indicated that crews responded to an emergency call near Chickasaw Park's boat ramp around 5:30 p.m., where a man with autism had decided to swim but found himself struggling against the river's pull.
The situation escalated when two other men observed his distress and leaped into the river to offer assistance, their efforts, however, resulted in all three being swept downstream, per details from NewsChannel 5. The three were eventually located by emergency services several hundred yards from the initial entry point, situated below a steep ledge, unharmed from their ordeal.
Officials used a boat to retrieve the men bringing them safely back to shore, where it was confirmed that no injuries had occurred during the incident, as reported by WKRN. In light of the event, the fire department expressed their commendation for the bystanders' heroism, which according to them "undoubtedly saved a life."
Richard Schatz, MCFD's chief deputy, in an interview with NewsChannel 5, said, "I firmly believe without their intervention this would have been a much more tragic incident." However, none of the men involved were wearing life jackets, a point of concern highlighted by the officials, who underscored the importance of safety gear in such situations.
