Massachusetts Police Pull Fisherman From Freezing Waters In an Early Morning Rescue [WATCH]

Police officers in New Bedford, Massachusetts, rescued a fisherman who became trapped in freezing water between two fishing vessels early Wednesday morning, according to the New Bedford Police Department, as reported by The New York Post.

Authorities said the rescue unfolded shortly after 6:30 a.m. in the Fish Island area when officers were dispatched following reports that a man had fallen into the water between two boats.

When officers arrived, Officer Kenneth Almeida immediately located the victim and made contact with him while the man was partially submerged in the water.

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According to police, Almeida grabbed the fisherman’s hand to help stabilize him as the man struggled in the frigid conditions.

Officials said the victim was unable to pull himself out of the water because of the extremely cold temperatures, which had already begun affecting his ability to move.

Body camera footage released by the department shows Officer Almeida maintaining contact with the fisherman while additional officers arrived to assist in the rescue effort.

In the video, officers can be heard giving instructions as they attempt to help the man secure himself so they can safely pull him from the water. At one point, Almeida reassured the fisherman as other officers gathered around to assist.

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“You fortunately have some strong guys here,” Almeida told the victim. “You probably got the strongest guys you could have here.”

Police said the fisherman appeared visibly distressed as the officers worked to position a rescue buoy to help stabilize him during the extraction.

Almeida also warned that the man could be experiencing hypothermia after spending time submerged in near-freezing water. The officer continued speaking with the fisherman as other responders coordinated the rescue.

A dramatic rescue unfolded in New Bedford, Massachusetts, when police officers pulled a man from icy waters near Fish Island after he fell between several fishing vessels. Five members of the New Bedford Police Department rushed to the scene, safely retrieving the man from the… pic.twitter.com/Ga6Ke6Uapw

— ihearts143quotes (@iHearts143Quote) March 5, 2026

According to police, four additional officers joined Almeida at the scene. Working together, the group managed to secure the fisherman and pull him out of the water.

The coordinated effort allowed officers to bring the man safely onto solid ground after the early morning incident.

After the rescue, emergency responders transported the fisherman to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford for medical evaluation and treatment.

Authorities said the man did not appear to suffer serious injuries and is expected to recover.

The New Bedford Police Department said the rescue highlights the quick response of officers who arrived at the scene and worked together to remove the victim from the dangerous situation.

Officials have not released the name of the fisherman involved in the incident.

Early morning conditions in the area included winter temperatures and cold harbor waters, which can pose serious risks to anyone who falls into them, particularly if they remain submerged for extended periods.

Police said officers remained in constant communication with the victim during the rescue effort to keep him calm while coordinating the safest way to bring him out of the water.

Body camera footage from the scene shows the officers maintaining steady contact with the fisherman and guiding him step by step through the process as they secured the rescue equipment.

The man was ultimately lifted from the water with the help of the rescue buoy and the combined strength of the officers on scene.

Authorities said the quick action by officers helped prevent what could have become a more serious incident in the freezing waters near the Fish Island area.

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