1 Fisherman Rescued, Another Remains Missing In Waters Off Fairfield: UPDATE

FAIRFIELD, CT — A fisherman was rescued early Saturday in the waters off Penfield Beach in Fairfield, but another one remains missing, according to Fairfield police.

A search for the missing fisherman is ongoing, but according to Sgt. Jenna Wellington, the operation has moved from a possible rescue mission to a recovery one.

"Despite an extensive search involving local, state, and federal resources, the second fisherman has not been located," Wellington said in a statement. "The operation has transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery effort, and efforts to locate him will continue. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department extend their thoughts and support to the family and loved ones of the missing fisherman as search and recovery efforts continue."

The rescued fisherman was transported to an area hospital with injuries that are not considered to be a threat to his life, according to Wellington.

She credited his rescue "in large part to the heroic actions of the witness."

The incident began just after 7 a.m., when Fairfield police received a 911 call that fishermen "were in distress off the reef at Penfield Beach."

According to Wellington, a preliminary investigation determined that while two fishermen were on the reef at Penfield Beach, "the incoming tide quickly surrounded them, leaving them trapped on the reef with rising water and no safe way back to shore."

"A witness observed the situation and immediately entered the water to assist," Wellington said. "While the witness was able to help one of the fishermen, both were subsequently swept into deeper water. The Fairfield Police and Fire Departments dispatched multiple marine assets to the area. The Fairfield Police Boat was able to rescue the witness and one fisherman while other police and fire vessels continued searching for the second fisherman."

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Fairfield authorities used drones, in coordination with the Westport Police Department Drone Unit, to assist in the search.

"Helicopters from the United States Coast Guard and Nassau County also responded," Wellington said. "In addition to the Fairfield Police and Fire Department Dive Teams, dive teams from Westport, Monroe, Milford, Trumbull, Bridgeport, Nassau County, and Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue responded to assist in the search."

Wellington added that the Fairfield police and fire departments "would like to thank all of the agencies that assisted with this incident, as well as the witness whose quick actions helped save a life."