In a dramatic rescue captured by drone footage, firefighters saved both a man and his dog after they fell through ice at Lake Waban in Wellesley, Massachusetts this past Sunday.
The incident began when Ed Berger was walking his two dogs, Tommy and Oscar, near the lake. Tommy chased after birds and fell through the thin ice into the frigid water. Berger, a trained EMT, attempted a rescue using a nearby boat but also plunged into the icy lake.
Wellesley Fire Department and Wellesley College emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. The dramatic drone video shows rescuers pulling Berger from the water first, before returning to save Tommy, who had been submerged for nearly 30 minutes.
"It felt like hanging out with two guys who knew exactly what they were doing," Berger said about the rescuers' well-coordinated efforts.
Both victims were rushed for medical attention - Berger to a hospital and Tommy to a veterinary clinic for hypothermia treatment. Fortunately, both recovered without serious injuries.
Deputy Chief Michael Giagante of the Wellesley Fire Department noted that rescuing the dog proved more challenging than saving the human victim.
Local authorities remind residents that ice conditions can be deceptive and dangerous. They strongly advise keeping pets leashed near frozen water bodies and urge people not to attempt rescues alone. Instead, they recommend calling 911 and waiting for professional help.
Berger expressed deep gratitude to the rescue teams whose swift action and expertise prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.