NEW YORK – Twenty-eight people were rescued from the water after four boats capsized Wednesday evening near Cockenoe Island, Connecticut.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound received a report of four capsized rowing boats around 5 p.m. Wednesday resulting in 28 people in the water.
The Westport Police Department successfully recovered 19 people from the water and brought them ashore. The other nine survivors from the incident swam to shore. All 28 people were evaluated for hypothermia.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Sector Long Island Command Center issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) and launched a multi-agency response. Coast Guard Station Eaton’s Neck responded alongside local law enforcement and first responders from Westport Police Department, Westport Fire Rescue Emergency Services, Fairfield Police Department, Darien Police Department, Norwalk Fire rescue, and Norwalk Police Department.
“This incident underscores the importance of safety while on the water, especially during this time of year,” said Capt. Elisa Garrity, Sector Long Island Sound Commander."The Coast Guard remains committed to the safety of all mariners and boaters and extends its gratitude to the community and our partner agencies for their continued support."
