A tragedy was averted earlier this month in Great Harbor when a resident fell and nearly drowned while clamming. The quick actions of an unidentified fellow clammer saved his life.

Guilford resident and passionate clammer John Cooney was clamming in Great Harbor on Dec. 2 when he slipped and fell. Despite only standing in two and a half feet of water, Cooney said his waders and shoulder-length gloves quickly filled with water. The rush of water into his gear made it impossible for Cooney to get back up.

“I was out there clamming, and I was getting ready to walk back in. There’s a big rock there, and I went around that rock and tripped over another rock and slipped and fell. My waders filled up with water,” Cooney said. “I tried to get up but couldn’t. I don’t think I would’ve made but a few seconds more. It was only two and a half feet of water but I couldn’t get up. I was lucky he was there. If he wasn’t there to help, I would’ve drowned. There was no way in heck I could’ve gotten up.”

According to Cooney, he clams and crabs all year round, but neglected to don his waders properly by cinching the belt, which allowed water to rush in when he fell.

“You learn from your mistakes. From now on, I’m going to wear the belt and put on a life vest,” Cooney said. “And, hopefully, I’ll go with someone in the future. I’m very lucky. You have to have that belt tied for waders, and I’m definitely going to wear a life vest from now on.”

Cooney credits the quick action of a fellow clammer who recognized his distress immediately and was able to rush over and help Cooney to his feet.

“It happened so quickly. I fell forward, and you don’t have a lot of time to think. I tried to get up. And made a few grunts, but I just couldn’t get my head above water. He came running over and as soon as he got me up, I said, ‘You saved my life.' I absolutely would’ve drowned if he hadn’t been there,” said Cooney. “I’m hoping he can give me a call. I’d really like to thank him. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”

In the excitement of the rescue, Cooney said he was only able to get limited details from this clamming good Samaritan. According to Cooney, his rescuer was named Frank, and he believes he's from Clinton. Cooney hopes to be able to track him down so he can thank him properly and extend his gratitude.

“I’m really lucky. I really hope I can thank him properly,” Cooney said.

Frank, or anyone who may have information on his identity, is asked to contact reporter Ben Rayner at b.rayner@shorepublishing.com so that contact can be facilitated with the grateful Cooney.