Three Rescued Children Swept Away by Beach Current

Three children from Lowell—a 5-year-old girl, a 14-year-old girl, and an 8-year-old boy—were swept away by a strong current while swimming at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and rescued near the Annisquam Yacht Club on Tuesday evening. Good Samaritans, including private boaters Christian Dagley, Keri Ann Perry (a nurse who performed CPR), and Christine and John Maney, played vital roles in the rescue before emergency responders arrived. The 5-year-old girl remains in critical condition, the 14-year-old girl is in serious condition, and the 8-year-old boy was treated and released to his parents. Initially treated at Addison Gilbert Hospital, the two girls were later transferred to Boston Children's Hospital. Multiple agencies, including the Gloucester Fire Department, Harbormaster, and U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the incident. Officials have issued renewed warnings about the dangers of tidal currents at local beaches and credited the rapid response of bystanders and emergency personnel for preventing further tragedy.