Kayaker Rescued From Floating Log In Frigid Connecticut River

PORTLAND/MIDDLETOWN, CT — A kayaker was rescued from the Connecticut River Sunday evening.

Portland and Middletown fire crews were dispatched to the Connecticut River, just south of Harbor Park, for a water rescue after receiving reports a kayaker in distress, authorities said.

A crew from Portland spotted the kayaker clinging to a large log that was in the water off the shore near Portland Boat Works and the kayaker was pulled to safety, authorities said.

Hunters ambulance and a Middlesex paramedic were requested to the boat yard and the individual was evaluated and transported to an area hospital, authorities said.

It was unclear whether the kayaker was wearing a dry suit.

Without one, the situation could have turned deadly quickly, since the most recent available reading near Middletown shows the Connecticut River water temperature at about 34 degrees at the Middle Haddam/Middletown USGS gauge. according to riverapp.net.

That water temperature can cause near-immediate cold shock, with exhaustion or unconsciousness likely in 15 to 30 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. That's about as cold as the water temperature during the Titanic sinking.