Boston Duck Tours Boat Heroically Rescues Baby and Father from Charles River in Cambridge

On a chilly Monday morning in Boston, an unusual incident unfolded that tested the mettle of a group of on-duty Duck Tour operators. Their quick thinking and rescue skills were put to the test when a baby boy fell into the icy waters of the Charles River in Cambridge.

The Incident Unfolds

The shocking event took place near the rear of the Royal Sonesta Hotel at around 9:30 a.m. A boy, under the age of two, had managed to squeeze through a railing and tumble into the frigid waters of the Charles. In a remarkable show of instinct and courage, the boys’ father immediately jumped into the icy river waters to save his son. 

Massachusetts State Police quickly responded to the distress call, learning that the father had plunged into the water to secure his child. Their joint struggle in the river did not go unnoticed as they were soon discovered by the crew on a passing Duck Boat, the Olga Ironsides, manned by operators Mike Rosario and Kevin O’Neill who were on a routine training run.

Rosario, fondly called Big Mike by patrons, recounted the intense moment when they spotted the father and son in the frigid water. It was apparent that the father was clinging on to a retaining wall while holding his child, navigating a precarious grip on the slick rocks of the riverbank. 

The Rescue Operations

The Duck Boat’s rescue protocol was put into action with precision. Initially, the vessel moved away from the duo in the water to ensure their safety. A life preserver ring was tossed over to the father and son to offer immediate flotation support. The boat was then maneuvered to a position where the rescue could be efficiently executed.

Kevin O’Neill manned the back of the Duck Boat while Mike Rosario expertly navigated to a safe distance from the distressed pair. Following this, O’Neill lowered the ladder and waded into the water. “I was thinking, just hold onto this kid and totally concentrate on just getting him up on the duck boat safe,” O’Neill recalled, emphasizing the adrenaline that propelled his actions despite not being a parent or accustomed to handling babies.

Once the boy and his father were safely aboard the vessel, they received immediate care and support from the Emergency Medical Service(EMS) on the shore, with the child being taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. The father’s genuine gratitude was evident as he repeatedly urged the rescuers with thankful words, expressing relief and appreciation for their timely intervention.

Witness Accounts

A witness, who opted for anonymity, described the child to be around 11 to 15 months old. This estimate echoes with accounts from other spectators who were within the vicinity at the time. Local photographer Dominic Demasi was present across the river, capturing the unfolding rescue exertion. He detailed hearing screams followed by the sight of a baby in the water and the subsequent plunge of the father to aid his child. Despite the quick turn of events and the palpable tension in the air, Demasi noted that everyone appeared to be safe post-rescue, although the incident was undeniably shocking.

Adding to the onlookers’ description, Cindy Brown, the CEO of Boston Duck Tours, commended the operational team for their exemplary execution and valor. She expressed her deep pride in their training and swift response, which culminated in the successful rescue of the father and son, highlighting the importance of their preparedness for emergency situations. Brown further extended appreciation towards the remarkable steadfastness showcased by Rosario and O’Neill, asserting their invaluable role in navigating the unanticipated ordeal.