HAMPDEN – A close call for two men Wednesday afternoon who had to be rescued from the Penobscot River.
They were riding in a boat in Hampden just before 1:00 p.m. when something caused the boat to tip over. Fortunately, both were wearing life jackets and they managed to cling to the boat while hollering for help.
A kayaker witnessed the accident and paddled to a nearby business to call for help.
Emergency crews from both Hampden and Bangor responded. In the end, the folks from Hamlin’s Marine volunteered one of their boats to rescue the men and both were brought safely to shore.
Hampden Fire EMT Jared LeBarnes said “Having Hamlin’s Marine on scene and having a boat available to us, we were able to get resources into the water a soon as possible. And that also allowed Bangor to be our backup boat in case we needed it. And they were able to get to the scene quickly.”
Both men were brought to the local marina to be checked out.
Rescuers warn the river is flowing fast and is very cold this time of year.
People should plan ahead and make sure you wear life jackets, like these men did.
