Write a commentOswego Fire Department crews responded to the Oswego Harbor earlier this evening for people is distress on the breakwall.
What appeared to be a calm day in Oswego turned dangerous, as 6 people walking on the breakwall began to get struck by waves approximately 100 yards South of the lighthouse. A witness on shore called 911, and emergency crews were dispatched at 4:41pm.
The Oswego Fire Department rescue boat, Marine One, was quickly underway and manned by personnel from the west side station. Lt. George Bennett, the officer in charge of the rescue operation, stated that the "waves were crashing over the breakwall, and prevented 6 people from walking back to shore safely."
Lt. Bennett stated that one person was thrown off the top part of the wall by a wave just as the rescue boat was approaching. The man was not injured and was assisted onto the boat. 5 others were assisted to safety from the breakwall and brought to shore. By 4:52pm, the rescue operation was complete with all parties accounted for.
Lt. Bennett commended his crew, FF John Geraci and FF Melissa Hartle, on a job well done during the rescue.
The Oswego Fire Department reminds residents to be careful in and around the water, especially on the breakwall. Fire Chief Jeff McCrobie stated "Weather conditions can change rapidly in Oswego, and people can get into trouble quickly without warning. I'm happy our personnel were able to get to these people in a matter of minutes, or it could have been tragic."
No injuries were reported, and all personnel were back in service by 5:30pm.
