WHFD Responds to Person Struck By Boat While Swimming

The members of the Watch Hill Fire Department responded to a call for a swimmer who had been struck by an unidentified boat on Tuesday, July 14th. The call which occurred on East Beach not far from the Watch Hill Lighthouse resulted in serious injuries to the victim.

The multiple agency response effort included the use of the Watch Hill Fire Department's two rescue boats as well an all-terrain transport vehicle (ATV) which was used to transport the injured swimmer from the beach. The semi-conscious victim received multiple severe lacerations to his upper body but the injuries do not appear to be "life-threatening".

Police Officers from the Westerly Police Department and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are continuing their investigation and are still trying to determine the location of the vessel involved in the incident.

Chief Robert Peacock praised the efforts of all the firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians who were involved in this extensive rescue operation under difficult circumstances. He also noted the quick response of lifeguards and beachgoers who assisted the injured individual to shore.

Please see the attached articles for further information and updates.