EDGARTOWN — Edgartown Fire Rescue and Edgartown Police responded to Memorial Wharf for a report of a man in the water on May 3 at approximately 8:40 p.m.
The male party was identified as Dwaine Benning, who had been preparing to go squidding when the incident occurred.
Benning had placed a floating basket in the water, which began to quickly drift away in the current.
When he went to retrieve the line, he lost his footing, then his balance, and fell into the water.
Several bystanders nearby lowered Benning a life ring to help him stay afloat.
Although Benning was not actively drowning, he was struggling to maintain his grip on the life ring.
Officer Trudel, who was on patrol in the downtown area, responded a few moments after dispatch.
Chappy Ferry Captain Jeff LaMarche offered to utilize a small skiff to assist in the rescue effort.
Officer Trudel was brought to the front side of the Memorial Wharf in the skiff and was able to pull Benning from the water with the help of several people.
Benning was checked and medically evaluated by the Edgartown Fire Department Ambulance but ultimately refused transport to the hospital.
The Edgartown Police Department acknowledged the assistance of Ferry Captain Jeff LaMarche, John O’Toole, and Benning’s friend, Howie Marlin.
