Title: Dramatic Rescue: Duck Boat Crew Saves Father and Son from Charles River
Introduction:
In a heart-stopping incident on Monday morning, a duck boat crew in Cambridge, Massachusetts, rescued a father and his young son from the Charles River. The child had fallen into the river, prompting his father to jump in to save him. This heroic act caught the attention of the nearby duck boat crew, who swiftly sprang into action, ensuring the safety of the distressed pair.
The Rescue Effort:
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. near the back side of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where the child managed to squeeze through a railing and fell into the river. Fortunately, Boston Duck Tours, who were running safety routines with their ducks in the river at the time, spotted the distressing situation. Despite the absence of any formal tours, the crew members promptly rushed to the aid of the father and son, pulling them out of the water and bringing them to shore.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Onlookers at the scene were in awe of the quick response by the duck boat crew. One witness reported hearing a woman’s desperate cries for help before the crew arrived. Another observer, Dominic Demasi, captured the rescue in photos, showing the father holding his young child in one arm while gripping onto a river wall with the other. Demasi described the father’s swift action in rescuing the baby, emphasizing the child’s vulnerability.
The Heroic Duck Boat Crew:
The driver and co-captain of the duck boat, named “Olga Ironsides,” shared their experience with the media. Responding to the pleas for help from the Cambridge side of the river, they immediately sprang into action. Using a ladder, they successfully pulled the father and child onto their boat, ensuring their safety. The crew wrapped the child in a blanket to comfort him, as he was understandably distressed and cold. Throughout the ordeal, the father expressed his immense gratitude, thanking the crew profusely for their heroic efforts.
A Grateful Community:
The entire incident left the duck boat crew with a mix of adrenaline and relief. Driver Michael Rosario, reflecting on the experience, expressed his gratitude for being able to save lives. He acknowledged that it was the first time he had encountered such a situation, emphasizing the rollercoaster of emotions they experienced. Despite the intense rescue, Rosario and co-captain Kevin O’Neill remained committed to their duties, continuing to lead tours through Boston’s streets and waterways, ensuring the safety of their passengers.
Conclusion:
The dramatic rescue by the duck boat crew in Cambridge serves as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of individuals in times of crisis. It highlights the importance of maintaining safety routines and preparedness, even during practice sessions. This heartwarming incident reminds us of the selflessness and dedication exhibited by frontline workers, whose actions can make all the difference in saving lives.
