Make a gift in honor of the good that comes from BDN journalism in your hands, and help raise $60,000 this spring to support our reporting. Make a donation now.
A 10-year-old boy was rescued Saturday night after being swept downstream by a current in the Androscoggin River, according to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office.
The boy’s father called 911 at approximately 8:17 p.m. to report that his son had entered the river near 807 Howes Corner Road in Turner. The boy was carried downstream before reaching a cluster of rocks in the middle of the river, surrounded by swift-moving rapids.
Deputies initially responded to the call and remained in communication with the boy while crews from Turner Fire and Rescue, Greene Fire Department and Livermore Fire Department coordinated a water rescue.
Cameron Lebel and Chris Bellefleur of Turner Fire and Rescue entered the river in specialized water rescue gear, with Bellefleur managing a rescue line from shore while Lebel navigated the current to reach the boy and bring him to safety, the sheriff’s office said.
The boy was uninjured in the incident. The entire operation, from the initial 911 call to the boy’s return to shore, took 31 minutes.
The sheriff’s office reminded the public that rivers can be dangerous due to swift currents even when conditions appear calm.
