The three were swept away from shore by the Annisquam River’s current on Tuesday evening, and a 14-year-old girl is in serious condition and a 5-year-old girl is still in critical condition after they were recovered from the water near Gloucester, Massachusetts, along with an 8-year-old boy.
The three kids were swimming at Wingaersheek Beach when they strayed off a sandbar and into the river’s current, which swiftly dragged them away, according to an update released by Gloucester police and fire authorities on Wednesday.
Around 7 p.m., the Gloucester Harbormaster, Gloucester police, and Gloucester fire department were called to the Annisquam Yacht Club, located at 17 River Road, after receiving a report that a private boater had rescued three youngsters from the water.
The three were brought to shore at the yacht club, where Gloucester firemen provided on-scene treatment, while a nurse on the private boat started CPR on the 5-year-old daughter.
According to officials, the two children were brought to Addison Gilbert Hospital before being moved to Boston Children’s Hospital. As of Wednesday morning, the 14-year-old was still classified in serious condition, and the 5-year-old child was still in critical condition.
Officials said all three youngsters and their families are from Lowell, and the 8-year-old boy was released to his parents. Their identities are still unknown.
Following a water rescue, authorities reported that three persons were hospitalized, one of them was in critical condition.
Officials also hailed the Good Samaritans who discovered the children in the water and saved their lives in a joint statement released on Wednesday.
According to officials, the captain of the boat that noticed the children in the sea was Christian Dagley, while the nurse on Dagley’s boat who did CPR on one of the kids was Keri Ann Perry. In their boat, Christine and John Maney also assisted in bringing two of the kids to land. They’re all from Gloucester.
In a statement, Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith said, “The pilot and occupants of the private vessels that intervened in this incident undoubtedly saved the lives of these children.” “I want to thank those individuals for their care and attention, which made a real difference.”
Additionally, the fire chief encouraged everyone, locals and tourists alike, to use caution when enjoying Gloucester beaches.
“Tidal currents can be extremely strong, and they are capable of pulling any swimmer into deeper water,” said Smith.
