Three people rescued after car plunges into Harbor Cove in Gloucester
The crash happened around 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Park, according to the statement. The driver went around granite barriers and over the seawall, before falling between 15 and 20 feet and landing upside down in the water.
Several people, including crew members of a Gloucester-based lobster boat, witnessed the crash and jumped in the water to help, breaking one of the car windows with a hammer to help free the occupants.
Two off-duty firefighters — Deputy Chief Andrew McRobb and Lieutenant William Doucette — also witnessed the crash and called for help before jumping in the water to help free the passengers.
By the time fire crews arrived, all three passengers were freed from the car but remained in the water, according to the statement. Bystanders and the off-duty firefighters rendered aid until help arrived, according to the statement.
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All three passengers were conscious and alert when they were removed from the water and transported to local hospitals.
'Fortunately it was low tide and not high tide,' Deputy Fire Chief Tom LoGrande said.
Doucette was also taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, according to the statement. The car was later removed from the water by a local tow company.
'We'd like to thank everyone who helped get these three people get out of the vehicle,' said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith. 'If not for all of their selfless efforts, this could have been a tragic day in Gloucester.'
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