MARION — A 19-year-old duck hunter was rescued after he fell into the water off Silvershell Beach Monday morning Jan. 20 from a boat 200 yards from shore, Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli, Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Harbormaster Adam Murphy reported. 

Emergency dispatch received a call that a man fell in the water from a boat about 200 yards offshore around 7:59 a.m. near the beach.

 When Murphy and Police Sgt. Larry Savery arrived on the scene, the 19-year-old had pulled himself back into his boat but was suffering from severe hypothermia, officials said.

Murphy took off his coat and other clothing and put them on the man in order to help warm him back up.

Once ashore, firefighters provided the man with warming blankets and IV warming liquids. The man was then transported by ambulance to Tobey Hospital in Wareham to receive further medical care. 

His condition is unknown at this time.

The initial investigation indicates that the man was duck hunting with a friend. The man's friend was hunting from the shore when he noticed that the man was no longer in his boat and called 911.

Jackvony and Nighelli credit the 17-year-old who called 911 with saving his friend's life. 

“Clearly, it was a good heads up that the younger individual was able to make a quick phone call to 911 to get resources out there,” Jackvony said. “I’m happy he made that call immediately. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to kick in.”

 The air temperature was 21 degrees, and the water temperature was 34 degrees at the time of the rescue.

 “I would like to thank our harbormaster and Sgt. Savery for going out there in less-than-ideal conditions and bringing this young hunter back to shore,” said Nighelli. “Their timely rescue allowed us to provide life-saving measures.”

Murphy asked boaters to take extra precautions this time of year.

“Be sure to have all the proper safety equipment with you when you’re out there hunting,” Harbormaster Murphy said. “At these temperatures, seconds matter. Be prepared.”