Two Wareham Department of Natural Resources officers recognized for their efforts during a rescue mission

Jun 28, 2019

Two members of the Wareham Department of Natural Resources were recognized for their efforts to rescue 12 passengers of a capsized boat in Hog Island Channel. One of the passengers, an 8-year-old boy died during that incident. 

On Monday, June 24, Deputy Director Jamie McIntosh and Director Garry Buckminster received the Director of Law Enforcement’s Commendation Award.

Massachusetts Environmental Police Lt. Matthew Bass, Assistant Harbormaster Adam Murphy of the Marion Harbormaster Department and Commercial Diver Michael Margulis of Extreme Diving also received the Director’s Commendation Award for their involvement in this incident.

“In addition to the WDNR Officers, This was an extremely tragic incident that will never escape those who were involved and especially the family. We are truly grateful to be a part of an amazing team of first responders, commercial service providers and good samaritans that look out for each other in Buzzards Bay,” said the Wareham Department of Natural Resources in a Facebook post.

The incident involved an overturned 24-foot powerboat in Hog Island Channel with eleven persons in the water on July 26, 2017. The reports indicate that the boat appeared to be overloaded with passengers and was struggling against the waves. 

The Coast Guard, Buzzards Bay Task Force, good Samaritans, Marion Harbormaster Department the Wareham Department of Natural Resources and Onset Fire officials all participated in the rescue.

An 8-year-old boy identified the boy as Harry O'Connor, who was submerged beneath a boat that capsized day near the entrance of the Cape Cod Canal has died.

Harry was among 12 people that included 9 children and three adults thrown overboard after their boat capsized in rough seas.