WESTPORT — A late night boat crash on the Westport River's East Branch injured several young people, one seriously enough to require a helicopter Med-Flight to Rhode Island Hospital
Westport …
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WESTPORT — A late night boat crash on the Westport River's East Branch injured several young people, one woman seriously enough to require a helicopter Med-Flight to Rhode Island Hospital.
Westport Fire Department Captain Brian Beaulieu said that at approximately 10:48 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, the Fire Department received a report that a boat with eight persons on board had run aground off Cadmans Neck Road resulting in injuries, some serious.
Westport Fire responded with two ambulances and the Westport Police Department assisted with the request for mutual aid ambulances.
When the first ambulance arrived, a request was made for additional staffing to help get through the heavy brush to reach the 20-foot vessel on the riverbank, nearly 20 feet below the yard of the closest residence.
Once at the vessel, rescuers found that it had struck a tree and that one person had injuries severe enough to warrant Med-Flight.
Those on the boat ranged in age from 14 to 24 years old. Two were transported to Rhode Island Trauma Center, one by Med-Flight, three were transported to local hospitals, and three declined transport for lesser injuries.
Massachusetts Environmental Police said that the boat, which has New Jersey registration numbers, was towed away to an undisclosed location later in the morning.
Westport Fire was assisted by Stat Dartmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Fall River Fire Departments at the scene. Another ambulance responding from Swansea was cancelled prior to arriving. Fall River Fire Department also assisted with an engine to the Westport High School landing zone for Med-Flight. The incident is under investigation by the Westport Police Department and the Massachusetts Environmental Police..
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