Mass. Sheriff's Marine Unit Rescue Teens in Sinking Boat

Two Longmeadow teens were rescued Saturday morning by members of the Hampden County Sheriff’s marine patrol unit as their boat was taking on water on the Connecticut River near Chicopee.

The teens were preparing to participate in the Paper City Regatta, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Department.

Just before 8:30 a.m., the teens flagged down the Sheriff’s Department boat staffed by deputies Mark Gee and Chrystal Sanchez. The rescue took place in the section of the river under Interstate 391 across from the Medina Street boat ramp.

“The deputies got the teens and their sinking boat safely to shore, with just minutes estimated before the boat took on enough water to sink,” said Robert Rizzuto, senior public information officer. “It appears a previous repair on the boat failed, causing it to take on water ahead of their planned participation in the event.”

“This is exactly the kind of situation we started the marine patrol unit to assist with,” said Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi. “I couldn’t be prouder of the deputies for springing into action and helping prevent a tragedy on what is supposed to be a fun fall day on the Connecticut River.”

The marine unit was launched in 2021 with money from the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund. It currently consists of three boats and 13 specially-trained deputies.

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