Tabor Academy Rowing Team safe after boat incident in Fall River Pond

FALL RIVER — Dangerous weather conditions and strong winds caused an emergency boat situation at a Tabor Academy Rowing Team practice in Fall River Pond on Saturday, March 29.

During the practice, multiple boats began to fill with water due to the weather.

The eighteen students and one rowing coach equipped with life jackets safely retreated to land with help from local residents before emergency crews arrived, according to the Fall River Fire Department.

Fall River emergency service departments treated the students and coach for minor injuries and exposure to cold before transporting them to local hospitals.

Watuppa Rowing Center, the organization who hosted the practice, posted a statement on the rescue while it was taking place.

“All rowers are safe! A visiting rowing program was training on South Watuppa Pond today. Boats took on water. All rowers are safely out of the water. First responders are on site and providing care,” said the rowing center via Facebook.

The students have been reunited with their families and coaches, according to the academy.

Tabor Academy officials and coaches were not immediately available for comment.