News Brief
Busy Day of Six Water Rescues
On July 20th, Portland Fire crews successfully rescued six individuals in two separate incidents on the water. The first incident occurred off the East End Beach and the second in the Presumpscot River.
At 10:43 a.m., the Portland Fire Department answered an alarm for two swimmers in trouble approximately 100 yards off the East End Beach. Responding in Marine 3, the crew was able to quickly locate one person stranded on a small island. Rescue efforts were redirected to two additional swimmers in the water clutching mooring equipment and eventually a fourth person was also found to be in distress. All were returned safely to shore.
At 4:43 p.m., crews answered an alarm for the report of two children stranded in the Presumpscot River near Forest Avenue at the Westbrook line. The responding Engine 9 crew was able to quickly locate the two children, clinging to a bridge and a submerged log approximately 50 feet from shore, the strong current and high-water causing them to submerge intermittently.
Recognizing the urgency, three PFD members aggressively entered the river with a life ring and personal flotation devices for the children. The children were safely removed from the river with the help of Portland and Westbrook crews. There were no injuries to the children or the first responders reported.
