GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith, Police Chief Edward Conley and U.S. Coast Guard Gloucester Station Chief Warrant Officer John Roberts report that a 13-year-old Gloucester boy has been rescued after he was swept away from land after falling off of a rock at Rafes Chasm.

At 5:21 p.m. members of the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments responded to Rafes Chasm Park for a report that a person had fallen into the water.

Upon arrival, first responders learned that a 13-year-old Gloucester boy had been taking photos of the waves with his friends when he fell off of a rock and into the water. At the time police and firefighters arrived on the scene, he had been swept approximately 50 to 75 yards off shore. The U.S. Coast Guard Gloucester Station was informed of the incident, and promptly launched a 47 foot motor life boat in search of the boy.

The teen remained in sight of Gloucester police and firefighters for the duration of the incident, up until he was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, at which time he was several hundred feet away from shore.

He was transported by Gloucester ambulance to Beverly Hospital for medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries after the rescue and is in good condition.

“Fortunately, as a result of the swift, seamless teamwork between the Gloucester Fire and Police Departments and the Coast Guard, this boy was rescued very quickly,” Fire Chief Smith said. “Time is critical in an incident like this, and I’d like to thank all those who took part in today’s rescue.”

To view a video of the rescue, click here.

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