Off-duty firefighters, fishermen rescue passengers after vehicle plunges into water in Gloucester

Two off-duty firefighters various fishermen and other bystanders raced to the rescue of three people who became trapped in a motorcycle that plunged into the water at St Peter s Park in Gloucester on Sunday The off-duty firefighters were on a boat nearby when they witnessed the crash and one promptly jumped into the water to help according to Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith Their efforts were joined by several local fishermen and other bystanders who assisted at the scene The firefighters Deputy Chief Andrew McRobb and Lt William Doucette called the circumstance into dispatch at a m Doucette entered the water to help several crewmembers from Tight Lines a Gloucester-based lobster boat who had broken one of the car windows with a hammer to help free the occupants They worked together fleetly with a small group of bystanders to help all three of the occupants out of the van which had landed on its roof A preliminary research indicates the wagon was driven around granite limitations and over the seawall where it plunged about - feet into the water A Gloucester Police examination is operational and ongoing Gloucester Fire crews arrived on the scene and discovered all three occupants were out of the automobile but still in the water The bystanders and off-duty firefighters rendered aid and kept the rescued car s occupants heads above the water level Fortunately it was low tide and not high tide disclosed Deputy Chief Tom LoGrande All three occupants were transported to area hospitals with varying injuries Lt Doucette was also transported to an area hospital with minor injuries Lt Doucette jumped into the water with little regard for his own safety announced Deputy Chief LoGrande I m happy to document that Lt Doucette is okay after this ordeal Three people could have easily been lost in Gloucester this morning if not for the bold and decisive actions of these two firefighters and a group of very brave bystanders A local tow company removed the automobile from the water We d like to thank everyone who helped get these three people get out of the motorcycle mentioned Chief Smith If not for all of their selfless efforts this could have been a tragic day in Gloucester Instead this is an inspirational story of our society banding together to help three people in mortal danger All of these people working together in an crisis makes me proud to be a Gloucester resident