Winthrop man rescued after boat capsizes

WINTHROP, Mass. (WHDH) -- There was a frantic scene early Saturday at the Pleasant Park Yacht Club after a Winthrop man’s boat capsized.

The man was plunged into the water and was struggling against waves which were made steeper by 30 mph winds.

“With the type of craft he was in he had no business being out there today with this wind,” said Chief Paul Flannigan, Winthrop Fire Department.

The man had no way to call for help other than to yell. A nearby officer heard the screams and quickly called for help.

“As I got close I could hear him and I could actually see him hanging on to the anchor line,” said Officer Robert McFarland, Winthrop Police Department.

First responders were in the waters within minutes of McFarland’s call and pulled the man to safety.

“He did manage to get up on to the boat prior to the Massport boat coming to pick him up, but he was definitely in poor condition at that time,” said Flannigan.

The water is about 40 degrees and he was in the water for about an hour. He was taken to Mass General Hospital for hypothermia and he’s lucky to be alive.

“He’s very lucky that the police officer that was on the bridge was able to hear him because he freely admits he can't swim," said Capt. Scott Wiley, Winthrop Fire Department.

He was discharged from the hospital hours later and is expected to make a full recovery.

“We saw him on the street and he’s back, he’s been discharged from the hospital. He feels good, everything’s fine and he’s home,” said Wiley.