Dock Breaks Loose, Ferry Closed Amid High River Waters In Glastonbury

GLASTONBURY, CT — High water levels on the Connecticut River wreaked havoc along its banks in Glastonbury and on the river itself Wednesday into Thursday from a closed historic ferry to a set of docks breaking loose from their pilings.

Heavy periodic rains have been plaguing the area in recent days and weeks and the river has risen to dangerous levels, officials said.

For example, at the state Route 160 ferry landing on Glastonbury, high waters left the adjacent park underwater and, in fact, the stop sign at the ferry dock was mostly submerged.

The nation's oldest continuously running ferry that dates back to 1655 has been closed all week.

Meanwhile, a section of dock with nine boats tied up broke loose at a popular marina on Tryon Street, just downstream from the iconic ferry.

The emergency call for the runaway docks actually came into Middletown at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, because at an estimated 8 to 9 knots in speed, they quickly entered that town's section of the river.

Middletown Fire Chief Jay Woron said it wasn't the worst situation he's seen in his 27 years at the department, but it wasn't good.

While floating downstream, the docks and boats partially broke loose with some remaining in the channel while passing Dixon Island but others going around the island's opposite side. One of the vessels measured longer than 30 feet, Woron said.

Some of the docks and watercraft even slammed into the base of the Arrigoni Bridge before eventually breaking loose.

Private vessels managed to intercept some of them and town them away, but one boat was located as far away as Long island Sound, the chief said.

Debris that included large trees could be seen floating down the river.