James W. Donovan helped to save Teresa L., Corry P., and April D. McGuire from drowning, Riverview, New Brunswick, April 25, 1981. Teresa, 11, Corry, 10, and April, 8, wandered into the tidal basin of the Petitcodiac River unaware of the danger of the approaching tidal bore from the Bay of Fundy. Far out into the basin on the mud flat flanking the river, Teresa and Corry became mired in deep muck and were unable to extricate themselves. April was unable to escape because of encroaching water. Donovan, 33, businessman, saw the children from a neighbor’s yard, which overlooked the basin. Despite the thick muck and several deep ravines filling with tidal water between himself and the children, Donovan went to them and anchored a safety rope for two other men, who freed Teresa and Corry. As tidal waters approached to within several feet of them, Donovan and the other men carried the children on their backs to safety. Within minutes, the area where the children had been was under water.
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