FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2020
CONTACT INFO. :
Major Christopher Francesconi
East Providence Police Department
401-435-7600 ext. 20088
East Providence neighbors rescue man from the James V. Turner Reservoir
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – On Wed., April 29, 2020 East Providence Police and Fire Department dispatchers received an emergency call regarding an overturned kayak and a man in distress in the Turner Reservoir. Police and Fire from both East Providence and Seekonk were dispatched. Upon arrival, it was learned the victim in distress had been removed from the water.
The victim stated to responding officers that his kayak overturned and he was unable to swim to it, as it was submerging. The victim began struggling and started yelling for help. Two individuals that live near the reservoir heard the victim’s calls for help. East Providence resident Kyle Long and Seekonk resident Edward Turnbull both utilized a canoe and entered the water. Mr. Turnbull reached the victim and the victim was able to grasp the side of the canoe. Mr. Turnbull began paddling to shore, and with the assistance of Mr. Long, they were able to hoist the victim safely onto a dock just prior to first responders arriving.
The victim was treated by members of the East Providence Fire Department. If not for the swift action of Mr. Long and Mr. Turnbull this incident may have had a tragic ending.
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For further information, please contact the East Providence Police Department
