Dozens rescued from Provincetown breakwater

The Coast Guard and Provincetown first responders rescued 44 people yesterday after they were stranded on a breakwater during high tide, including six who were in the water.

Responders rushed to MacMillan Pier at 1:47 p.m. after it was reported that a large group was stranded on a barrier that protects the coast from heavy waves. Four people had jumped into the water in an attempt to pull out two children who’d fallen in, officials said.

The area where the group was trapped is a footpath that is a popular walking route to Long Point and its scenic views.

Crews from the Coast Guard Station Provincetown, the Provincetown harbormaster and TowBoatUS all responded, with backup from Provincetown police, fire, and EMS.

The water at the rescue scene was too shallow for Coast Guard vessels, so the harbormaster and TowBoatUS recovered those stranded in their boats and transferred them to a Coast Guard boat, which brought them to shore for medical examination. Some had minor injuries.

“It was an unorthodox response, but in the end, everyone is safe on shore,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Glora, who was in charge of the Coast Guard response boat, in a Coast Guard press release.