Yesterday evening, a critical water-related incident at the Annisquam Yacht Club in Gloucester resulted in three juveniles requiring emergency medical attention. The fire department was dispatched around 7 p.m. following reports of individuals in distress in the waters close to a sandbar off Wingaersheek Beach, as reported by Boston 25 News.
Fire Chief Eric Smith confirmed to WCVB that the three were swept up by strong currents and subsequently rescued by a passing boater, who witnessed the incident and managed to secure the victims aboard their vessel, the victims were then transported to the yacht club where emergency responders took over, one of the juveniles is now listed in critical condition, another one in serious condition, and the last is considered stable.
All three victims were rapidly taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital where they underwent medical assessment and treatment; the one in critical condition was later airlifted to a Boston hospital due to the severity of their injuries. Witnesses such as Zach Morris, who spotted the emergency vehicles speeding past, made note of the urgency of the situation. Morris recounted to Boston 25 News, "We just saw the trucks flying by, and we came down and saw one person getting carted up into the ambulance here at the yacht club."
Multiple agencies responded promptly, including the Gloucester Harbormaster, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local firefighters, to manage the incident. Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the individuals involved. The cause of the individuals entering the water remains under investigation. While local media have cited the possibility of a boating or jet ski-related incident, no official determination has been made by the responding agencies.
