One Man Dies And Another Injured In Accident At Gilford Docks

GILFORD, NH — NH Marine Patrol says one man died attempting to rescue another at the Gilford Docks.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., Marine Patrol personnel assigned to their headquarters in Gilford were alerted to a nearby water emergency by screams for help.

Marine Patrol personnel quickly responded to the Gilford Town Docks where they found two men clinging to the dock.

Two men identified as James P. Murphy Jr., 66, and Ronald C Bickford, 71, both from Laconia, were pulled from the water.

A nearby Marine Patrol boat then assisted both men out of the water where first aid and CPR was administered. James Murphy was unable to be revived, Ronald Bickford was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Marine Patrol said "While Mr. Bickford was boarding a boat from the dock, he lost his balance landing in the water.

Mr. Murphy went into the water to assist Mr. Bickford. Witnesses described both individuals as having difficulty staying on the water’s surface. Both men went beneath the surface multiple times before good Samaritans were able to grab their arms and hold them until more help arrived"

This case remains under investigation. Anyone who may have further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Marine Patrol at 603-293-2037, or by email at marinepatrol@dos.nh.gov.