Two brothers and a small dog were rescued after their sailboat ran aground in the Essex River Friday night, police and fire said.
The brothers, ages 28 and 30, were pulled from chest-deep water. They were taken to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia, Essex police and fire said in a statement.
They were in stable condition Friday night. The dog was also in good condition, officials said.
The U.S. Coast Guard alerted the North Shore Regional 911 Center that they received an emergency beacon for the 30-foot sailboat Jenny Lee at 8:12 p.m., the statement said.
Essex Police Chief Thomas Shamshak Jr, who is also the town’s harbor master, led the search effort. The Jenny Lee was found listing heavily to one side side and taking on water, off Coffins Beach near mouth of the river in Essex, the statement said.
Rescue crews launched a 14-foot flatbottom fire-rescue skiff. The brothers were located wading through frigid, chest-deep water, the statement said. A fire boat approached and brought them to the rescue boat.
Crews also rescued the dog who was floating alongside the pair inside a plastic tote.
The brothers and the dog were brought to shore, the statement said. One of the brothers was able to walk, but the other had to be carried on the shoulders of a police officer about 250 yards through sand dunes to an area on 2 Penny Lane.
They were taken to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
Shamshak praised the work of all involved in the rescue. “Tonight’s rescue underscores the importance of proper training and effective communication for maritime hazards in communities like ours,” Shamshak said.
Adam Sennott can be reached at adam.sennott@globe.com.