UPDATE: Gloucester Fire, Police and Harbormaster Respond as Three Children Pulled from Annisquam River

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith, Chief Ed Conley and Harbormaster Chris Lucido would like to provide an update on an incident in which three children were pulled from the Annisquam River on Tuesday evening in Gloucester.

On Tuesday, June 24, at approximately 7 p.m., the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments, and the Gloucester Harbormaster, were called to the Annisquam Yacht Club at 17 River Road for a report that a private boater pulled three children from the water of the Annisquam River.

First responders quickly arrived on scene and located three children — a 5-year-old girl, an 8-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old girl. A nurse on the private boat began performing CPR on one of the children, while all three were taken to shore at the Yacht Club.

A preliminary investigation makes it appear the three children were swimming at Wingaersheek Beach when they wandered off of a sandbar and into the current of the Annisquam River, which quickly pulled them away from shore. 

All three children were treated on scene by Gloucester Firefighters. The two girls were transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital by two Gloucester Fire Department ambulances.

The 5-year-old girl and 14-year-old girl were both later transported to Children’s Hospital in Boston. The 5-year-old is in critical condition as of Wednesday morning, and the 14-year-old is in serious condition. The 8-year-old boy was released to his parents. All three children and their family are from Lowell.

In addition to Gloucester first responders, Beauport Ambulance and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded.

The pilot of the boat that spotted the children in the water was later identified as Christian Dagley, of Gloucester. The nurse on Dagley’s boat who performed CPR on the 5-year-old was later identified as Keri Ann Perry, of Gloucester. Christine and John Maney, of Gloucester, also helped bring two of the children to shore in their boat.

Those involved do not wish to grant media interviews. 

“The pilot and occupants of the private vessels that intervened in this incident undoubtedly saved the lives of these children,” said Chief Smith. “I want to thank those individuals for their care and attention, which made a real difference. I also want to remind all residents and visitors to be cautious when using Gloucester beaches. Tidal currents can be extremely strong, and they are capable of pulling any swimmer into deeper water.”

###