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Near drowning at the Grotto
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Posted on Jan 06 2020
A woman nearly drowned at the Grotto dive site in Marpi last Thursday, Jan. 2, but witnesses managed to pull her out of the water and she did not have to be resuscitated. She refused to be confined at the hospital and was later released.
A report from the CNMI Department of Public Safety states that DPS received a 911 call last Thursday at about 9:37am about a drowning incident at the Grotto dive site. Police and medics were dispatched to the scene, where they met with the caller, who was the on-duty security guard at the time. The security guard stated that one of the divers ran up the steps and called for his attention, and told to him to call 911 to report a drowning.
At the scene police learned that the female victim was trying to cross over to the main rock before the current came in and swept her into the water. The female victim was stuck under water for about a minute before other witnesses saw her head appear above the water. At that time, one of the divers ran up to call for help.
Other witnesses in the area managed to pull the victim out of the water. The victim was responsive and breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation did not have to be performed, but the victim was placed on a spine board and transported to the Commonwealth Health Center, where they were treated for lacerations, abrasions, and bruising. The victim refused to be admitted after treatment.
DPS would like to remind the public to be aware of the water conditions and your surroundings when planning to enjoy the waters at beaches, dive sites or other attractions. DPS encourages the public to call 911 anytime to report an emergency. (Saipan Tribune)
