riverboat cruises near indiana

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Dinner Boat Rides

• March 10, 2016

Once the only way to travel before roads, and when thick forests carpeted our state, now Indiana’s waterways—winding rivers, inland lakes and even a long stretch of Lake Michigan coast—still beckon us to journey in ways of yore. So climb aboard—the water’s great—whether it’s a wine cruise on Patoka Lake, navigating past the grounds of an old hotel where Al Capone stayed on the Dixie, Indiana’s oldest sternwheeler paddleboat, or a voyage along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore with Captain Ed’s Big Deck Charters.

In Fort Wayne, Captain Black’s Pontoon Tours depart from Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot for a two-hour “guided history” tour traveling on the St.Mary’s and St. Joseph rivers in downtown Fort Wayne.The standard tour is $250 for a group of 12 passengers maximum and the Deluxe costs $350 for the group and includes food and drinks which must be ordered 48 hours in advance.

The Deck at the Gas House (this longtime favorite restaurant in downtown Fort Wayne earned its name because its located at the site of a 19th century gas plant) offers 20-minute rides along the St. Mary’s River Thursday through Saturday beginning around 6 p.m. You can also call to make a reservation.

During the season in Koskiusko County, the Wawasee Tour Boat Co. offers daily tours on the Oakwood Tour Boat, which holds 40 people, of the 27-acre Lake Wawasee, Indiana’s largest natural lake, named for Miami Chief Wawasee. For those staying at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, where the boat is docked, the tour is free; otherwise the one-hour trip costs just $10 per person. The boat is also available for private charters.

Combine brunch, lunch or dinner with a voyage on the S.S. Lillypad II, a two-story, houseboat. At 70 feet long, it’s the largest boat on Lake Wawasee and accommodates groups of up to 110 people. The boat can be booked for private parties, and offers several public cruises each month for varying lengths— two, three or four hours. The vessel’s big-screen TV also accommodates parties for viewing Notre Dame football in late summer and early fall. Each year the S.S. Lillypad II features themed parties such as Gilligan’s Island or Margaritaville.

For decades, The Dixie, the state’s oldest sternwheeler paddleboat, has traversed the silvery blue waters of Webster Lake just blocks from the downtown of North Webster in Northern Indiana. On the National Registry of Historic Places, The Dixie offers 90-minute cruises starting Memorial Day weekend. “Before there were good roads and cars, people would stand on the pier and wave at the boat so they could get a ride,” says former Dixie owner Dan Thystrup. He also noted the original boat, the City of Webster, was built in 1908 and functioned as a floating blacksmith, lumber, post office and grocery ferry, visiting the piers of houses that lined the shore of this 500-acre lake in North Webster, a small old-fashioned lake town. Replaced in 1928, this Dixie has been updated over the years, offering regularly scheduled cruises as well as being available for private charters.

The 135-foot-long Madam Carroll, the largest licensed United States Coast Guard approved vessel in Indiana, was built in August of 1976 and has run continuously for the last four decades. Available for both public and private cruises on the 1,500-acre Lake Freeman in Monticello, Madame Carroll’s public cruises sail each Saturday night and some Friday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Cruise options include sightseeing, dinner or special events and last between two to three hours.

Thick woodlands surround Indiana’s second largest manmade lake, 8,800-acre Patoka Lake, making bald eagle and other wildlife sightings (osprey, deer, wild turkeys) a common occurrence. So climb aboard one of the two tour boats which dock at Patoka Lake Marina in Birdseye. Tour options include sunset wine and beer cruises, Wednesday nights and select Sunday afternoon rides.

For more information visit:

American Queen: 888-749-5280; americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

BB Riverboats: (800) 261-8586; bbriverboats.com/thunder_over_louisville.html

Broad Ripple Boat Company: (317) 254-2628; broadrippleboatco.com

CaptainBlack’s: (260)420-3962; fwoutfitters.com/rental-info/captain-blacks-pontoon-tour/

Captain Ed’s Big Deck Charters: (219) 363-2909; michigancitycharters.com

The Deck at the Gas House: (260) 417-3249; donhalls.com

The Dixie: (800) 566-2551; ridethedixie.com

Madam Carroll: (574) 583-3545; madamcarroll.com

Oakwood Resort Tour Boat: (574) 457-7100; oakwoodresort.com

Patoka Lake Marina: (812) 685-2203; patokalakemarina.com

S.S. Lillypad: (574) 529-3300; sslillypad.com

Rockin’ Thunder Jet Boat Rides: 812-701-1155; rockinthunder.com

Queen of the Mississippi: 800-460-4518; americancruiselines.com/cruises

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Riverfront Fort Wayne

USA Today 10 Best Riverwalks Read More

Since Fort Wayne’s establishment, our three rivers: the St. Marys, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee, have been an intrinsic part of the city. 

Today, you can spend a whole day exploring Riverfront Fort Wayne’s attractions and amenities – offering outdoor fun and adventure for the whole family. 

Explore Riverfront Fort Wayne below, and plan your day adventuring the trails along the river, exploring the attractions that cross your path, getting out onto the water, and discovering adventure together!

Promenade Park

Promenade Park offers visitors a brand-new take on entertainment, recreation and relaxation. Promenade Park offers visitors a chance to:

Play – With interactive options for family fun!

• Stroll the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail
• Splash in the Doermer Kids' Canal
• Play at the PNC Playground
• Enjoy Ping Pong, Foosball, and Cornhole tables

Explore – Extensive river access points and new opportunities to get on the river enable visitors to enjoy scenic boat tours or head out on their own in a rented kayak.

Relax – Dining and park experiences offer opportunities to “hang out” and enjoy the views any day of the week. Grab a snack from the many food truck vendors or the cafe. 

Celebrate – Promenade Park houses the state-of-the-art Sweetwater Band Shell and Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheater – promising concerts and live music experiences throughout the season.

Plan Your Visit

B) Headwaters Park

C) fort wayne outfitters, d) wells street bridge, e) the old fort, science central, g) lawton park, h) martin luther king, jr. memorial bridge, i) the landing district, j) arts campus fort wayne, river cruises.

Experience the city by taking a boat ride on one of the three rivers in Downtown Fort Wayne.

You can enjoy rides along the river this summer with:

Sweet Breeze

Sweet Breeze  replica 1840s canal boat

2023 Tours Begin Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, 1:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. 

Promenade Park Boat Deck, 202 West Superior Street

Relax and enjoy a guided cruise on the Fort Wayne Rivers. Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica is offering 45 and 90 minute tour lengths. This fully accessible tour will be a fun experience for everyone! Each tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Tickets are $27 per person for the 90-minute cruise and $17 per person for the 45-minute cruise. Thursdays in July, book an evening cruise with live music. For the full list of dates, go to  www.RideSweetBreeze.org . For information about private tours please email  [email protected]

Rum Runner Party Boats

Rum Runner Party Boats  – A unique Party Barge experience. Groups of up to 16 can book this floating bar for a tour on the rivers.  

• Time: 2 hours
• Departs From: Varies. Typically Headwaters Park West. Please confirm when you book.
• Minimum of 12 passengers or $480 on weekends
• Minimum of 10 passengers of $350 on weekdays
• Booking: RumRunnerPartyBoats.com  
• Joey Tippman - (260) 705-0313

Airboat Rides – Feel the breeze, and take a fun airboat ride. 

• Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Departs From: Guildin Park boat ramp, traveling to Foster Park.  
• Tickets: $45 per adult; $35 for children 13 and under
• Booking: Mike Gasdorf at (260) 417-3249 (Schedule your time and ask about additional trips.)

Water Itineraries

Fort wayne parks, downtown parking map pdf.

Riverfront Fort Wayne Events Calendar

Explore events happening around Riverfront Fort Wayne. 

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Evansville IN (Indiana)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-08-21 11:07

Port Evansville IN cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Evansville IN, Indiana. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Evansville is an Ohio River cruise port and city in Indiana USA (Vanderburgh County). By population (around 120,000), the city is ranked Indiana's 3rd-largest, following Indianapolis (state's capital) and Fort Wayne (Southern Indiana's largest). Evansville was founded in 1812 (1817-incorporated) and received city status in 1847.

Port Evansville (locode USEVV) is a major Ohio River port with a modern infrastructure and direct rail and highway connections. Evansville is also designated as a Port of Entry, allowing it to handle both domestic and international cargo shipping. The Port's largest international exports include chemicals (64%), heavy equipment (18%) and foods (5%). Ohio River also connects Evansville with the Great Lakes and also with foreign markets (via New Orleans' Port NOLA) .

As cruise port, Evansville was introduced with American Cruise Lines/ACL 's 2024 summer program and included in the schedule of the ACL riverboat American Heritage (fka Queen of the Mississippi) . The news was announced by ACL in August 2022.

Next table shows ACL's 13-night/14-day itinerary (between Missouri and Pennsylvania via Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio) which was scheduled for the period July-August 2024 and promo-priced from USD 7755 per person with double occupancy.

Cruise ships in Evansville dock at Inland Marina. On the waterfront and to the north are two of the city's unique tourist attractions - the LST Dock (where is permanently moored USS LST-325 /a 1943-built landing ship tank, now serving as a WW2-themed museum) and Bally's Evansville (Hotel & Casino).

Indiana's first casino Bally's Evansville (1995-opened) was originally functioning on a riverboat (City of Evansville). The casino boat was an exact replica of the 1866-built Robert E. Lee (paddlewheel/sidewheel steamboat). In 2013, the casino boat (length 94 m / 310 ft, width 21 m / 70 ft, total public space 47863 ft2 / 4447 m2) was renamed Tropicana Evansville. Since 2018, Bally's Evansville is land-based (hotel and casino) property and owned by GLP-Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

Evansville Airport serves 30+ regularly scheduled domestic flights linking to Sanford/Orlando FL (by Allegiant Air), Charlotte NC and Dallas TX (by American Airlines/American Eagle), Atlanta GA (by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection), and Chicago IL (American Airlines and Delta Air). Cargo flights (by FedEx Express) link to Memphis TN .

Four major railways serve Evansville's freight rail shipping - CSX, Evansville Western, Indiana Southwestern, and Norfolk Southern. The cargo trains are sorted at Howell Yard, which facilities have monthly capacity to handle ~3000 containers and trailers.

The current-day city's economy is largely based on trade, being Evansville Metro's principal city and serving a large tri-state (Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky) area that groups 30 counties (10x in Illinois, 11x in Indiana, 9x in Kentucky) and has combined population 0,9+ million. Evansville's major industries include healthcare/medical sciences (Deaconess Health System, Ascension St Vincent Evansville, hospitals), banking/finances, higher education (Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Indiana Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville University, Southern Indiana University), manufacturing, logistics/transportation, energy-related businesses, retail shopping.

In Evansville are headquartered large corporations like Escalade Inc (sporting goods), Old National Bank, OneMain Holdings (finance), Berry Global (plastic packaging products), Shoe Carnival (footwear), AmeriQual Group (food processing/production-packaging-assembly-distribution), Accuride (commercial vehicle components), Atlas World Group (moving and storage), Anchor Industries (ship anchors and mooring equipment), Evana Tool & Engineering (industrial machinery), Traylor Bros Inc (heavy construction), Koch Enterprises (heavy equipment), Lewis Bakeries (bakery foods), MetroNet (internet, TV, voice services), Red Spot Paint & Varnish (coatings for plastics), Karges Furniture.

The tourism industry benefits from several large museums (Children's, African American, Wartime, Reitz Home, Arts, History & Science), Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden (1928-opened). Angel Mounds State Historic Park (located approx 8 mi / 13 km southeast of the city), Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve (200 acres / 81 hectares of virgin forest), Wesselman Park (golf course, outdoor sports courts, playground), large-capacity sports facilities (Ford Center, Bosse Field, Double Cola Soccer Complex, Goebel Soccer Complex, Swonder Ice Arena), annual festivals and street fairs (West Side Nut Club Fall, Germania Mannerchor Volksfest).

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Myst'ry River

America's greatest voyage underground.

Explore America's longest navigable underground river in custom electric boats.

1-Hour Tour

Tours leave hourly or more often. Reservations are not available.

Decend 400' to reach the river. Ascend again on your exit.

Wet Weather

Tours occasionally not possible during wet weather. Check Facebook or call for updates.

Canyon Hall

Cave Salmander

Myst’ry River Sluice

Karst Nature Trail

Bluespring Caverns Park

Adventure & Fun - Above & Below

A visit to Bluespring Caverns will bring you, first of all, to the park above the Caverns. Mine for gems in our gemstone mining sluice, hike our trails, enjoy a picnic lunch and explore an underground world of wonders on our guided boat tour.

• Gemstone Mining

Karst Natural Area Trail

• Myst’ry River Boat Tour
• Picnic areas and shelter
• Clean, spacious restrooms
• Free parking

The park also offers our Overnight Adventure Youth Program and Kayak High Adventures both with advance reservations.

Bluespring Caverns is a natural wonder. Our hour-long boat tour allows you to explore and experience the majestic underground. Passages and water-courses are illuminated by the pocket of light that follows your tour boat through darkness.

Glimpse elusive cave creatures.

• Rare, blind cavefish
• Blind crayfish in constant search for food
• Spotted red-orange salamanders
• Solitary bats hanging on a high ceilings

Wet Periods

Visit during a wet period, and you will hear and see the power of the underground river; though many of its creatures will have retreated to quieter areas.

Since Bluespring Caverns contains a natural underground river, tours may occasionally not be possible due to area floods. Please call us prior to your visit during exceptionally wet weather periods. 812-279-9471

Indiana’s Largest Sinkhole

Before or after your tour, enjoy our half-mile, nature trail in the Ruth & Emery Bolton Natural Area.

Experience the connection of the land above to the great caverns hidden below as loop around Indiana’s largest karst plain sinkhole, over 90 feet deep and covering ten acres.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE FOLLOW AND STAY ON THE TRAIL.

Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine

Semi-precious gems & fossils.

Take the opportunity to prospect for your own semi-precious gemstones and fossils at the Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine. Our mining sluice is located on the front porch.

Pick Your Fun, Prospector to Mother Lode, $5 to $25.

Park Aerial Veiw

Colglazier Visitor Center

Unique gifts & souvenirs.

At the Colglazier Visitor Center, you will find a varied selection of unique gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to take home a unique souvenir to remember your amazing experience.

Tour tickets and other services are on our large porch area.

• Shop for unique gifts
• Parking is free.
• Picnic facilities, a picnic shelter, and restrooms are on-site.

Got Questions?

What's the temperature inside the cave.

53 Degrees  

Temperatures underground are a constant 53 degrees year-round. A light jacket is recommended.

Do I need to arrive at a certain time?

Any time before 4:00 pm  

Tours leave on the hour or more often during peak season. Our last tour leaves at 5:00 pm EST.

Do I need a mask?

Masks are not required at this time  

Masks/face-coverings are not required at this time.

Can I make a reservation?

We do not require or accept reservations for this tour. Upon your arrival, you will be scheduled for the next available tour. Tours leave hourly or more often 9 AM to 5 PM. Late afternoon tours can fill early on busy weekends and holidays.

What is the length of the tour?

1 Hour  

Our Myst’ry River boat tour is one hour in length and covers 1-1/4 miles aboard our electric-powered boats and a 400’ walking section.

Are tours available for groups?

Absolutely  

Group reservations and rates for groups of 12 or larger are available on many calendar dates. Visit our Group Tours page.

Are tours available every day?

March 16 - October 31  

While Bluespring Caverns Park is open every day from March 16 through October 31, tours on Myst’ry River can occasionally be unavailable due to area flooding. Check our Facebook page or our website for timely information during wet periods. You can also call us at 812-279-9471 for immediately up-to-date information.

What should I bring to tour the Caverns.

A Few Recommendations  

No special equipment is required. We recommend a light jacket, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes. The Caverns is 52 degrees.

You can also bring a camera just don’t drop it overboard!

Is the Myst’ry River Voyage boat tour handicapped accessible?

Our parking lot, Visitor Center/Gift Shop, and our Gemstone Mining sluice are handicapped accessible. Due to the natural constraints of the Caverns, our Myst’ry River tour is not handicapped accessible. For more detailed information, please call us.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept many.  

We accept cash, check, credit, and debit cards.

We absolutely loved this cave. We were the only ones on the boat tour and the guide was super nice and full of information. We will come back and do cave kayaking!

Indiana Cave Trail

© 2018 - 2024 Bluespring Caverns. All rights reserved.

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talk to our event plannERS  +1.3213054753

corporate events

Our Corporate division is set up to help simplify your event planning process & guide you through it seamlessly. LEARN MORE...

This stunning  triple deck paddle wheel boat offers first class events with a crew and  event planning team who specialize in presenting private and exclusively designed affairs.  All of the details are customized to suit the "Queen’s" clients needs. Passengers begin their journey on the 2nd deck with a Welcome Aboard Reception, live music, full service bar and delicious appetizers.   As Passengers explore this triple deck paddle wheel boat they always enjoy the Queen's Room which is located on the main deck. This elegant air-conditioned room offers full service bar, catering, restrooms, sound system and beautiful seating with various floor plan options  to suit any event.   Topside Passengers enjoy the best view of the Indian River as the "Queen" cruises majestically along the Indian River and lagoon which  is known as the world’s most diverse eco-system, home to herds of manatees, flocks of birds and playful dolphins. Since the "Queen" specializes in Private Charters there are limited dates available for Public Charters. Once a month, we offer a Dinner Cruise with musical entertainment and a Sunday Southern Brunch Cruise for the Public. We also offer a daily 1 hour historic cruise  It Takes A Village ...the perfect way to start your visit to Cocoa Village!   To book a PRIVATE CHARTER call (321) 305-4753 to speak directly to Penny,  the "Queen’s" Event & Wedding Planner. 

EVENT VENUES

WELCOME ABOARD THE "QUEEN" A STUNNING & UNIQUE VENUE SPECIALIZED IN PRIVATE & EXCLUSIVE EVENTS

Public events.

Once a month, the 'Queen' offers a "Dinner Cruise" and an "Old Fashioned Lunch Cruise" for the Public. LEARN MORE...

weddings & nuptials

All weddings on board the 'Queen' are customized exclusively for our clients, ensuring your BIG day is your BEST day. LEARN MORE...

Event Venues

meet our planners

Our dedicated planners top priority is making your event exceptional. Our team & expert crew will exceed your expectations. LEARN MORE...

welcome ABOARD THE INDIAN RIVER QUEEN

The perfect venue for weddings, corporate events, reunions & private charters, a stunning & unique venue, specialized in private, & exclusive events.

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES, CORPORATE EVENTS & PRIVATE CHARTERS

 P R O U D L Y   S E R V I N G

Copyright © Indian River Queen. All rights reserved

 +1.3213054753

Explore the Three Rivers of Downtown Fort Wayne!

Get your crew together and come aboard our party boat for a great time! Enjoy scenic tours on the three rivers of Downtown Fort Wayne. Bring your own food and beverage, we supply everything else.

Fort Wayne Dock Location

Guldin park 400 van buren st fort wayne, in 46802, fort wayne river tour pricing, weekend 2-hr tours.

• Friday after 5pm – Sunday
• Minimum of 12 Passengers or $480
• Up to 16 Passengers
• Provide Your Own Food & Beverages
• $240 Deposit Required at Booking

Weekday 2-hr Tours

• Monday – Friday until 5pm
• Minimum of 10 Passengers or $350
• $140 Deposit Required at Booking

Happy Hour Tours

• Mon-Fri 11am-4pm
• Flat price no matter how many riders
• *Order food and drinks from the Deck. Boarding at the Deck
• Pay full price at booking and save time at the boat

Custom Events

• Longer Tours, Multiple Boats, or Special Requests
• Great for events with Family and Friends
• Up to 64 Passengers
• Provide Your Own or Get Catered Food & Beverages
• Minimum of 10 Passengers or $400

* No outside food or beverage allowed on Happy Hour Tours. All food and beverage must be purchased from The Deck.

Book Online Now!

Price shown at checkout is a DEPOSIT ONLY. Final price is determined by the total number of passengers at the time of boarding.  In the event you want to tie 2 boats together, please be advised of a 10% gratuity for the captains.

Your booking is not reserved until you complete PayPal checkout.

NOTE: To view weekend time slots (Friday after 5pm through Sunday), you must select service type: Weekend 2-hr Tour – Ft Wayne – $40/pers. 

* Price shown at checkout is a DEPOSIT ONLY. Final price is determined by the total number of passengers at the time of boarding. Deposits are non-refundable within 2 weeks of your scheduled booking. Please note that all credit card payments include a 3.5% service charge.

© 2019 All rights Reserved. Rum Runner Party Boats

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Boston 25 Now

Duck boat rescues baby boy who fell into Charles River, dad who jumped in after him

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A Boston Duck Tours boat rescued a baby boy who fell into the Charles River in Cambridge and his father who jumped into the water to save him on Monday morning, officials said.

Troopers responding to a report of a child under the age of 2 in the river near the rear of Royal Sonesta Hotel around 9:30 a.m. learned the boy had fallen into the water after squeezing through a railing, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The boy’s father subsequently jumped into the river and secured him. They were then taken aboard a passing Duck Boat in the area of 40 Land Boulevard and dropped off at a nearby dock.

Mike Rosario, one of two Duck Tour operators on the boat, is credited with rescuing the baby and his father. Rosario and Kevin O’Neill were on a training run when they spotted the two in the water.

“Like if a child decides to lean over and God forbid they fall in, we have to jump into action right away,” said Rosario, who is known to patrons as Big Mike. “So we train for this all the time.”

Because it was a training run, only the two were aboard the Olga Ironsides for the safety drill. And then, suddenly, it wasn’t a drill at all.

“I was doing my loop and when I turned back around Kevin noticed a group of people waving to us,” Rosario said. “And then he noticed a man in the water and that’s when we realized somebody fell in.”

Rosario said the Dad was clinging to both the retaining wall and the child.

“So there’s like little slots in the rocks,” said Rosario. “So Dad was holding on there while he was holding the child.”

Captain Big Mike Rosario (Captain Big Mike Rosario, Boston Duck Tours)

Duck boat rescue protocol actually calls for the vessel to initially move away from the person in the water, so as not to hurt them. Then a life-preserver ring is tossed over to help keep the person afloat. Finally, the duck boat is maneuvered into place to effect the rescue.

O’Neill manned the back of the duck boat, as Rosario gently backed it into a position a safe distance away from the Dad and son. Once in place, O’Neill lowered the ladder.

“And then I just walked down a few steps into the water,” he said -- close enough to take the baby from his Dad’s arm and bring him aboard.

“I was thinking, just hold on to this kid and totally concentrate on just getting him up on the duck boat safe,” O’Neill said. “And I was also saying, you’re okay, you’re okay. I don’t have any kids of my own and I’m not very good with babies, but because of the adrenaline I wasn’t thinking about any of that.”

The boy and his father were evaluated by EMS on shore after being pulled from the water. The boy was then taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

“He just said thank you, thank you so much,” O’Neill said. “And he was effusively thankful. We just said, of course. We’re so glad that you guys are okay.”

Video from the scene showed an Orange Duck Boat near a dock, as well as a state police cruiser and ambulances parked along the shore.

“So I looked over with my camera and I was able to zoom in and see there was actually a child in the water, a baby,” Demasi said. “And the father jumped in right afterwards.”

Photos shared with Boston 25 News showed first responders lowering a life preserver ring down to the father and his child.

NEW IMAGES: A man and baby were rescued from the Charles River this morning by first responders and a @BostonDuckTours boat. These pictures were captured by photographer Dominic Demasi who was across the river at the time. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/2qbvpJRuvZ — Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 19, 2024

A witness who didn’t want to appear on camera told Boston 25 News that the baby was likely between 11 and 15 months of age.

Local photographer Dominic Demasi said he heard screaming followed by people rushing over.

“Initially I thought it was a dog. I took my camera, I looked closer, and there happened to be a baby in the water, actually. The father jumped right in. He was swimming with the baby for five or 10 minutes. They then called a Duck Boat over,” Demasi recalled. “Everything happened so quickly. Everyone seemed to be safe, but it was scary.”

Charles River rescue (Dominic Demasi)

Demasi added that it was fortunate the water wasn’t cold when the baby plunged into the river.

“They come out of the Charles right here and they do their tours. So, they just happened to be in the area at the right time I guess. Right place, right time,” Demasi said. “It definitely scared me. I could hear them screaming...It’s good it wasn’t a long time. It wasn’t cold out.”

Both the child and father are okay, according to a Cambridge Fire Department spokesperson. Just a bit shaken up.

As for Rosario and O’Neill, by afternoon they were back aboard the Olga Ironsides, a full contingent of passengers in back after a day they won’t soon forget.

“Both are valued employees, even before this rescue,” said Cindy Brown, Boston Duck Tours CEO. “Mike and Kevin have been outstanding team members at Boston Duck Tours for many years. I’m thankful that the training they have received, along with very lucky timing, put them in a position to help save this father and child. I could not be prouder of their quick thinking and smart actions.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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