Off-Duty Firefighters, Fishermen Rescue 3 After Car Plunges into Gloucester Water

Three people were rescued after their car plunged 15 to 20 feet into the water at St. Peter's Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Two off-duty firefighters, Lt. William Doucette and Deputy Chief Andrew McRobb, witnessed the crash from a nearby boat and immediately called dispatch before Lt. Doucette jumped into the water to assist. Several local fishermen from the Tight Lines lobster boat and bystanders joined the rescue, breaking a car window with a hammer and cutting seatbelts to free the occupants who were trapped upside down in the vehicle. The rescuers kept the victims' heads above water until Gloucester Fire crews arrived; all three occupants were conscious and alert but were transported to hospitals with varying injuries. Lt. Doucette also sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. Officials noted that the low tide aided the rescue and praised the collaborative, swift actions that likely saved the lives of all three individuals.