By Cynthia Mccormick
cmccormick@capecodline.com
September 19, 2010
SANDWICH — A Plymouth fisherman who was wearing waders drowned when he got caught in the outgoing tide and was swept into Cape Cod Bay at the mouth of Old Harbor Creek early yesterday morning, Sandwich Fire Department officials said.
The Sandwich police identified the fisherman as Robert Samuelson, 43, of Plymouth.
Another fisherman who was with Samuelson at the time of the incident, Gregory McSharry, 32, of Carver was rescued after spending at least a half hour in the 65-degree water.
The two men had been fishing by the creek near the Sandwich Boardwalk when the current carried them about 200 yards out and at least a quarter of a mile east along the bay, fire officials said.
When it became clear Samuelson was in trouble, McSharry took off his waders and attempted to assist him, Sandwich Fire Capt. Timothy McMahon said.
"That guy is a hero," Sandwich Fire Deputy Chief Tom Corriveau said of McSharry. "He put his own life at risk to try and save his friend."
Sandwich police and fire officials as well as the Coast Guard responded to a call for help from two other fishermen who witnessed the event from the east side of the creek, the Salt Marsh Road side, Corriveau said.
A Sandwich Fire Department rescue boat crew pulled a still conscious but exhausted McSharry from the water at about 1 a.m., Sandwich fire officials said. The rescue crew also retrieved Samuelson's body and brought it to the Sandwich Marina.
McSharry was taken to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, where he was treated and released.
Corriveau also credited the fishermen who called for help with keeping their eyes trained on the men in distress, which helped coordinate rescue efforts. "It probably made a difference with (McSharry), who was still treading water," Corriveau said.
The Coast Guard set off several parachute flares to illuminate the water and was preparing to launch a helicopter when the men were spotted, a Coast Guard spokesman said.
Samuelson was an experienced fisherman who was acquainted with the area, Corriveau said. "Unfortunately, he lost his footing, and it's a tragedy for everybody in the community," he said.
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this article has it pretty much how it went down.
Greg should be commended for his heroism and almost ultimate sacrifice. As well as the 2 guys onshore who made the call and directed the rescuers' efforts to get the men out of the water.
I still can't believe this
Bob you are gone now, but will not be forgotten.
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