Remember This Moment on York Beach in Maine That Restored Our Faith in Humanity?
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.
People from coast to coast were talking about York Beach in Maine after this story went viral a few years ago. According to WBZ, a distressed scuba diver on Short Sands Beach was saved by nine strangers who formed a human chain to pull him to shore.
A man from Haverhill, Massachusetts, John Antonelli, was taking a walk with his wife on the rocks when they noticed the scuba diver in the water, and heard his cries for help. The site states that John was getting ready to dive into the water to save the man, but was stopped by a Parks and Recreation employee. It was decided that only one person should go in the water, so the employee dove in while John acted as an anchor to help pull the scuba diver in.
As John waded on the edge of the rocks, he noticed a group of people lining up behind him. It all happened so fast, and John was confused what the people were lining up for! Next comes the remarkable part. These nine strangers formed a human chain, and with their strength, helped pull the scuba diver to safety. Social distancing went out the window when it came to saving this scuba diver's life.
John told WBZ:
“Not only were they helping that scuba diver get out of the water, but they were also keeping me from falling in. So to everybody that was in that line, I would like to say thank you.”
Oh, and the scuba diver? He lived to tell the tale! Paramedics arrived at the scene and treated him, and he was released.
Here is the photo of the human chain, captured by a nice lady named Lois Griswold. I don't know about you, but this picture gives me the chills: