Pregnant woman and a baby among five people rescued from a capsized boat by Ipswich police officer
A ‘quick thinking” Ipswich Police officer is being recognized for saving five people from a capsized boat in a local mooring field during rough seas.
A pregnant woman and a 14-month-old girl were among those saved.
Patrol Officer Matthew Bodwell was on patrol on Saturday at about 3:15 p.m. on the water near the Clark Beach mooring area, when the “mayday” call came in. Bodwell responded with the Ipswich Police harbor patrol boat.
“As he entered the mooring field he immediately observed an adult male in the water waving an arm for help,” according to statement from police.
The five people had been in a 16-foot aluminum boat. None of the boaters was wearing life jackets. All of the adults were believed to be in their 30s, according to police.
“Paramedics evaluated all five people, and after they were medically cleared,” according to a statement from Ipswich Police.
“This is a remarkable situation that could have turned into an unspeakable tragedy had it not been for the immediate actions of Officer Matthew Bodwell,” said Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas said. “Officer Bodwell is to be commended for his heroic work on the water on Saturday.”
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