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Hero Bystanders Save Wheelchair User After Dock Mishap
8 Mar
Summary
- A wheelchair-bound man fell into Manatee Pocket when a boat ramp suddenly collapsed.
- Bystanders and deputies performed a swift rescue in the water.
- The man was saved and suffered only minor injuries from the incident.
A man in a wheelchair was dramatically rescued from Manatee Pocket on March 8th, following a sudden ramp collapse. The incident occurred at Mariner Cay when the ramp connecting his boat to the dock gave way, plunging him into the water while still in his wheelchair.
Two bystanders heroically rushed to his aid, preventing him from slipping out of his chair as he began to submerge. Responding deputies from the Martin County Sheriff's Office and a Sea Tow captain arrived promptly. They worked to secure the unstable wheelchair.
As the situation became critical, Deputy Sam Oliver entered the water. He disconnected the man from the wheelchair and, using a life preserver, swam him safely to shore. The rescued man suffered only minor injuries.
