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Good Samaritan, Coast Guard rescues Maine man in water

April 7, 2015

BOSTON- A 55-year-old man was rescued by a local fishing vessel after the captain spotted him in the water in Portland Harbor, Maine.

At 5:15 pm Tuesday, the captain aboard the fishing vessel Christina & Caelyn spotted a man in the water and called the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched a 29' RB-S from Station South Portland to respond.

The Christina & Caelyn crew rescued the man from the 38 degree Fahrenheit water and provided him basic medical attention. Maine EMS met the fishing vessel at the pier and transported the man to Maine Medical Center for hypothermia treatment. 

"This lucky man is alive today due to the quick response by the Christina & Caelyn captain and crew," said Lt. j.g. Connan ingham, Sector Northern New England. "Even though the ice is gone the water is still very cold."

The man stated that he fell off the Peaks Island ferry, Aucocisco III, and was in the water for approximately 20 minutes. The Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident.

Sector Northern New England is one of five Sectors in the Coast Guard First District's area of responsibility and responds to approximately 600 search and rescue cases a year. 

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