Marion Police, Harbormaster Rescue Three After Boat Capsizes in Buzzards Bay

MARION (WBSM) — Three people had to be rescued earlier today after their boat capsized near Bird Island off the coast of Marion.

According to Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at about 12:46 p.m. today reporting three people fell into the water after their boat capsized.

Members of the Harbormaster Department arrived at the site of the capsizing to find three people in the water, all wearing life vests. They were able to safely remove the individuals and bring them aboard a harbormaster vessel.

The three received first aid and injury assessment on board, and then once they arrived at the Marion Town Dock, additional medical care and evaluation was provided by Marion EMS and the Marion Fire Department.

Authorities said two of the three were brought to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. They pointed out that the air temperature at the time of the incident was in the low 70s, and the water temperature was 65.3 degrees at the time of their rescue.

The Harbormaster Department was also able to assist in retrieving the individuals’ belongings that were lost when the boat capsized.

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“I would like to thank our Harbormaster personnel for their prompt response, quickly rescuing these three individuals and bringing them back to shore, making sure they received proper medical treatment," Chief Nighelli said. “If not for fast-acting rescue personnel, this situation could have easily turned tragic. Even as we approach the summer season, hypothermia is a very real potential danger whenever someone falls from a craft into coastal waters."

"These swift, coordinated efforts between the Marion and Mattapoisett Harbormasters, Marion EMS and Marion Fire Department ensured a safe rescue of all occupants, and no further injuries or navigation hazards have been reported," Harbormaster Murphy said.

The incident remains under review.