2 North Shore Men, Dog Rescued From Frigid Water After Sailboat Found In Distress

ESSEX, MA — Two men and a dog were saved from frigid North Shore waters after the 30-foot sailboat Jenny Lee was found in distress on Friday night.

An Essex police officer carried one of the men — who had become nearly incapacitated in the chest-high water — more than 250 feet to nearby sand dunes to safety.

Essex Harbormaster and Police Chief Thomas Shamshak Jr. and Fire Chief Christian Hassel, and crews responded to reports of a sailboat listing badly off Collins Beach at the mouth of the Essex River on Friday night.

Essex Deputy Fire Chief David Pereen and Essex Police Officer Joseph Fedullo launched a 14-foot fire-rescue skiff and approached the sailboat.

Police Sgt. Daniel Bruce responded from his home in Essex and used the police department's drone to assist.

Officers were able to rescue the two brothers, ages 28 and 30, along with a small dog that was floating alongside the brothers inside a plastic tote.

Police said one of the brothers was able to walk, but the other was carried on the shoulders of Officer Fedullo about 250 yards through sand dunes to an area on 2 Penny Lane in Gloucester.

"This was a tremendous example of teamwork by the Essex Police and Fire Departments, working in direct contact with the Coast Guard and our other mutual aid partners to respond quickly, locate the vessel in distress and put assets in the water to make three successful rescues this evening," Chief Shamshak said. "This rescue underscores the importance of proper training and effective communication for maritime hazards in communities like ours."

The two men were taken to a local hospital for treatment of hypothermia. Both men were stabilized on Friday night and are expected to recover.

The dog was reported to be in good condition.