Boater rescued with medflight, runaway boat recovered after Salem incident

Authorities say someone was seriously injured after being thrown from a boat in Salem on Sunday evening.

Salem Harbormaster Bill McHugh told Boston.com that he was alerted to the incident by good Samaritans who reported a boat moving in tight circles, which could indicate someone was in the water.

McHugh said he then went aboard and stopped the boat.

The victim was recovered and taken to hospital by air ambulance, McHugh said. They are now being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital.

McHugh said such incidents are “not that uncommon” and called it a “teachable moment.” He stressed the importance of wearing a safety lanyard, which is designed to shut down a boat’s engine if the operator veers off course.

It is not known how the injuries occurred, but Salem Harbor Master said it appears the victim was hit by his own boat.

It is unclear how the individual was sent away. McHugh said the investigation is ongoing.

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Salem harbor master describes how he managed to keep an out-of-control boat under control after the man on board fell overboard last night, before being airlifted to a Boston hospital in stable condition. #7News photo.twitter.com/EmQVi8UMTn

— Steve Cooper (@scooperon7) July 29, 2024

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