The Billerica Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 3:45pm, reporting that a canoe tipped over on Nuttings Lake and that a person was in the water.  Police, Fire, and EMS units were immediately dispatched to the Marshall St. area of Nuttings Lake.   It was reported that this person abandoned his sinking canoe and was swimming for the shore.

Frank Mclaughlin of Lexington, MA observed the capsized canoe and ripples in the water.  He told his friend to call 911 and immediately drove his truck to the victim’s location.  Mr. McLaughlin made his way to the shoreline and yelled to the victim.  He realized that the man was struggling and, without hesitation, dove off the dock and into the frigid water.  Patrolman Stephen Cogswell arrived on scene and also dove into the lake.  Mr. McLaughlin reached the victim and was able to lift his head out of the water.  Ms. Eileen Conway of Billerica, MA also entered the lake and provided the rescuers and victim with three life vests.  They supported the victim with the vests and Patrolman Cogswell  was able to bring the victim to the dock.  He was pulled from the water by Mr. McLaughlin, Ms. Conway,  Patrolman Frank Rayne, and Patrolman John Harring.

The victim is identified as a 54 year old male from Billerica, MA.  He was transported by the Billerica Paramedics to the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.