West Bridgewater Man Found After Getting Stuck In Swamp With Dog
WEST BRIDGEWATER (CBS) -- When Robert Magee lost his way chasing his dog into the woods in West Bridgewater, it was a state police helicopter outfitted with an infrared camera that found him.
Saturday night police got a call from West Bridgewater from Magee's girlfriend. She told them he wandered into the Hockomock Swamp, and he tried to call her but his phone went dead.
State police launched Air 2 and found the 27-year-old and his dog. They were by a fire Magee had started.
WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod talked with Robert Magee.
"He was amazingly calm he initially waved his hands over head," said State Police Trooper Mark Costa. "He was shining a small light as well which we thought was impressive because most people might not signal a helicopter."
Magee is a trained Marine and authorities say he set up the perfect rescue scenario. But a ground rescue was nearly impossible and the helicopter crew could tell Magee was getting tired. At one point he and the dog went from knee-deep water to arm pit-deep water.
WBZ-TV's Diana Perez reports.
The crew was pulled back and a hovercraft was brought in instead.
Three hours after the initial call two officers in dry suits reached Magee and his dog.
The pooch was gently carried into the craft first then Magee. Neither required medical attention.
State police say Magee did the right thing by starting a fire. They recommend using some kind of light to help search crews spot you.
