What started as a calm evening on the water took a sudden turn when a man found himself clinging to a piece of debris in Cook Pond Wednesday night — and thanks to a swift response by Fall River firefighters, what could have been a tragedy turned into a story of survival.
A Quiet Evening Turns Dangerous
Just before 7 p.m., emergency calls started coming in. Witnesses near the Henry Street boat ramp reported seeing a small boat overturned in the middle of Cook Pond, with someone struggling to stay afloat nearby.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found the man about 150 yards from shore. He was holding on to part of his fishing boat, visibly cold and exhausted, but alive.
A Race Against the Clock
Firefighters quickly sprang into action. Members of the department’s Marine Unit geared up in wetsuits and launched Marine 2 — a specialized rescue boat designed for fast water responses. As light faded and the water chilled, every second counted.
“He was just hanging on out there,” one firefighter at the scene shared. “We knew we had to move fast. Luckily, he did everything right — he stayed calm, stayed with the boat, and waited for help.”
Once firefighters reached him, they pulled him aboard the rescue vessel and brought him back to shore, where paramedics were waiting.
A Close Call — But No Injuries
Despite spending several minutes in the cold water, the man was alert and breathing when he was rescued. He was assessed by EMS but declined further medical treatment and did not require hospitalization.
Officials haven’t released his name, but say he had been fishing alone when the boat capsized, likely due to instability in choppy water.
Why This Rescue Stands Out
While the Fall River Fire Department handles dozens of emergencies each year, water rescues — especially in changing spring weather — present unique challenges. The cold water, fading daylight, and distance from shore made this situation especially urgent.
“This could have gone a very different way,” a department spokesperson said. “We’re grateful it ended with everyone safe.”
The department also credited ongoing training and equipment updates as key reasons for the rescue’s success. “When we’re called, we’re ready,” the spokesperson added. “That’s what we train for.”
Community Reflects on Water Safety
The incident has sparked renewed conversations in the community about the importance of boating safety, especially as warmer months draw more people to local ponds and waterways.
Fire officials are reminding residents to always wear life jackets, never boat alone if it can be avoided, and make sure all equipment — including boats and personal floatation devices — are in proper working order.
They also emphasize the importance of staying with the boat if it capsizes. “A boat is easier to spot than a person in the water,” one firefighter explained. “If something goes wrong, stay with it if you can. That made all the difference in this case.”
A Reminder of What Could Have Been
By Thursday morning, calm had returned to Cook Pond. The boat was recovered, and no injuries were reported. But for the man rescued and the firefighters who brought him home safely, the night left a lasting impression.
For the Fall River Fire Department, it was another job well done. For the man they saved, it was a reminder that sometimes, help really does arrive just in time.
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