A surge of boaters took to the Boston Harbor this weekend to relax and celebrate the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, celebrations turned to disaster when 19 year old Auburn resident, Nicole Berthiaume, fell overboard near Spectacle Island and was severely injured on Saturday night. A 33 year old Charlestown lawyer who specializes in DUI defense was charged with operating under the influence (OUI) when the Coast Guard responded to an emergency call from the “Naut Guilty” just before 8:00 p.m. that night. Benjamin Urbelis was placed under arrest by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
According to Coast Guard Petty Officer Lanola Stone, the young woman’s “arm was severed just below the shoulder,” when she jumped off the anchored boat to retrieve a seat cushion. She sustained injuries to her face and abdomen as well. Fortunately, the Coast Guard response boat was nearby when the Mayday call came in. The Coast Guard and Boston Fire arrived quickly to the scene. Department Lieutenant Charlie Popp and the crew of the department’s firefighting and rescue boat raced toward Spectacle Island after the 911 call was placed. “We were very fortunate,” stated Popp. “It’s the first one I’m aware of recently with injuries this severe where everything worked out well.”