Officers Pull Fisherman from Frigid Waters in Early Morning Rescue

NEW BEDFORD — Just after 6:30 a.m. this morning, Officer Kenneth Almeida responded to the area of Fish Island area for a reported well-being check.

The reporting party, later identified as the victim, had called 911, stating that he had fallen into the freezing water between two fishing vessels and was unable to pull himself out.

Upon arrival, Officer Almeida located the male in the water, gripping onto the dock lines. Officer Almeida immediately secured the male’s hands and reassured him that help was on scene and that he would not let go.

Officers Mackenzie Sylvester, Abraham Nazario, Andy Soares, and Jesse Branagan arrived to assist Officer Almeida, and together they safely pulled the male from the frigid water.
He was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment.

We commend all of the responding officers for their quick thinking, teamwork, and decisive action. Their coordinated efforts ensured the fisherman was quickly located and safely removed from the freezing water so he could receive medical care.