Lisbon Fire Department members use the town rescue boat Tuesday evening to save Conner O’Reilly, 21, of Topsham, after his boat capsized in the Androscoggin River. O’Reilly used his cellphone to call for help as he floated downstream, Fire Chief Nate LeClair said. Submitted photo
LISBON — A man whose boat sank in the Androscoggin River on Tuesday evening was rescued after he dialed 911 as he was being swept downstream in Lisbon Falls.
Conner O’Reilly, 21, of Topsham, was setting the anchor for his motorboat when it started taking on water and capsized, Lisbon Fire Chief Nate LeClair said.
Around 5:47 p.m., the town received a 911 call from O’Reilly, who was wearing a life jacket as he floated down the river. LeClair said O’Reilly was fortunate to have his cellphone with him, or emergency responders might not have been able to locate him.
LeClair said his department launched Marine 5, the town’s rescue boat, off Frost Hill Avenue. The crew located O’Reilly and brought him safely to shore. O’Reilly was cold, but rescue crews warmed him up. After being evaluated by emergency medical technicians, he was cleared to return home.
The fishing boat sank and will remain in the river until it can be salvaged.
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