ESSEX, Mass. — ESSEX, Mass. — Two brothers and a dog were rescued from the Essex River Friday night after their sailboat ran aground and began to take on water.
The U.S. Coast Guard notified the Essex Harbormaster of an emergency beacon for the 30-foot sailboat Jenny Lee, just after 8:10 Friday night.
Rescuers responded off Coffins Beach and using a 14-foot flatbottom fire-rescue skiff, found the sailboat listing heavily to one side near the mouth of the Essex River.
The Essex Police Department’s drone was also deployed during the search.
After several intense minutes, the two men were found in frigid, chest-deep water about a quarter mile from their boat.
The dog was in a plastic bin floating alongside the men.
Police said one of the brothers was not able to walk when he met rescuers.
“He was pretty close to unresponsive,” Deputy Harbormaster and Essex police officer Joseph Fedullo said. “We couldn’t even get a simple name out of his mouth.”
Once on shore, Fedullo carried one of the men 250 yards through sand dunes to 2 Penny Lane in Gloucester.
Both men were taken to a local hospital to be treated for hypothermia and are expected to be okay.
The dog was also reported to be in good condition.
Given the dangerous conditions of the cold river that night, it’s a situation that Essex police and fire are thankful didn’t end up worse.
“Thanks to the quick action and solid teamwork, everyone is safe,” Essex Fire Chief Christian Hassel said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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