Boater Cut By Propeller In Fairfield: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A man was ejected from a boat and suffered several deep lacerations after being struck by the vessel’s propeller during an accident near Penfield Lighthouse in Fairfield on Sunday afternoon, according to Fairfield Police. At about 3:50 p.m. on Aug. 20, Fairfield Police Marine Unit responded with Fire and AMR personnel on board to a report of a man who was on the water and suffered a laceration and he was bleeding heavily.

The vessel was located approximately 1 nautical mile west of Penfield Lighthouse. Westport Police Marine Unit assisted, along with a Good Samaritan who was rendering first aid to the victim prior to police arrival, according to Lt. Robert Kalamaras.

The victim was identified as Wigberto J Mendez, 69, of Waterbury. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Further investigation into the accident revealed that Mendez was traveling east returning back to Dolphins Cove launch ramp in Bridgeport at about 15 knots, when the steering cable snapped which caused the vessel to turn violently, at which point Mendez was ejected from the vessel,” Kalamaras wrote in a press release. “It was determined that the vessel turned in a circle and ran Mendez over. Mendez suffered several deep lacerations caused by the vessel’s propeller, before he was pulled back onboard the vessel by the two individuals he was with Jose Ebhebarria, 40, and Tim Philavanh, 47.

“Mendez was transported aboard PB1 and brought to Ye Yacht Yard in Southport Harbor where AMR then transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center. No alcohol was detected at the time of the incident.”

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