August 27, 2009

A Tragic Day Near My Home in Maine

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I was in Maine for business and shooting for television this past weekend when Hurricane Bill was working his fury with the sea.  The surf was incredibly high and was pounding the shore and curious crowds were drawn to Acadia National Forest.  Park Rangers had posted signs warning of dangerous surf and the areas of Sand Beach and Thunder Hole were blocked off.  Unfortunately, in another area, people were on a cliff about 20 feet above sea level when a wave crashed around their feet.  When they turned to retreat, another wave came, taking seven people with it.  Four managed to make it to shore, but three others were swept out to sea.  Sadly, the Coast Guard was able to rescue only two of them, with a seven-year-old girl perishing.  Our sincere condolences to her family and friends.