AMESBURY — Chief Kenneth E. Berkenbush reports that the Amesbury Fire Department responded to a near-drowning in the Merrimack River this afternoon, and with help from a passerby were able to rescue the individual.
On Monday, May 9, at approximately 1 p.m., the Amesbury Fire Department was dispatched to report of a person struggling in the Merrimack River in the area of Old Merrill Street.
A passing boater who spotted the individual in the river pulled them onto a boat and brought them to shore, and Amesbury firefighters were able to begin life-saving efforts, including CPR, within 5 minutes of being notified of the incident.
The individual was soon transferred from the boat to an ambulance, and was taken to Anna Jacques Hospital. The individual was later transferred by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center for treatment.
Amesbury Police Department, and the Amesbury Harbormaster also responded and provided mutual aid.
“Everyone involved moved really fast and the patient was already out of the water when we arrived, so that was a huge help, and our firefighters went to work right away. Things worked well,” said Deputy Chief James Nolan. “I want to thank all the mutual aid partners who responded with us, as well as the passerby with a boat.”