Another Dramatic Guilford Rescue: Person Trapped In 30-Foot Well

GUILFORD, CT — If you thought last week's rescue of a man who fell into the water while crabbing and was in danger of getting sucked into a sluice pipe was incredible, try this:

Guilford Fire Department firefighters were called to a home where a person had fallen down into a 30-foot well underneath a sub floor in a house built in the late 1800s, according to fire and police. The house was being renovated when the person fell through a "weakened part of the floor."

So Guilford firefighters, employing a "rope rescue," saved the person. But firefighters' Facebook post was humble. The Guilford Police Department, on the other hand, took the opportunity to describe the "unbelievable rescue of a Guilford resident who fell down a 20-30-foot well.... in a house," and sing the firefighters' praises.

"Giant shout out to our amazing Guilford Fire Department for the unbelievable rescue of a Guilford resident who fell down a 20-30ft well.... in a house!!!!

Yup you read that correctly! The house was built in 1843 and this well was most likely outside at the time. There was a renovation and addition in 1981. At some point this well was covered with simple wood flooring and no subfloor or well cap.

While the new tenant was moving into the home today, a friend fell through the floor.... into the abyss of a 20-30ft well, splashing into extremely cold water that was well over the victim’s head.

Initially, the fire department received a 911 call for a fall victim... but this was no ordinary fall and luckily Guilford Fire is no ordinary agency!

They sprung into action sending Guilford Firefighter Venuti into the well to retrieve the victim who was treading water for nearly 25 minutes.

Miraculously, the victim only suffered minor injuries but was transferred to the hospital to be checked out. It is important to note that some of these older, historical homes may have hazards that were not upgraded by current code. This situation could have ended with a fatality but due to the extreme professionalism and capabilities of Guilford Fire Department, everyone went home safely tonight.

It is important to note that some of these older, historical homes may have hazards that were not upgraded by current code. This situation could have ended with a fatality but due to the extreme professionalism and capabilities of Guilford Fire Department, everyone went home safely tonight.
Well done GFD!

Couldn’t be more proud of the work you do day in and day out for Guilford and surrounding towns!"