Milford Firefighters Rescue Man Caught up in the Rising Tide Leading to Charles Island

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Fire Department rescued a man who became overcome by the swift current while trying to walk out to Charles Island at 4 p.m. Tuesday, a top fire official said.

The man's son also fell into the water but was able to swim to shore and called 911 while his father held onto a nearby buoy and clung for safety, said Battalion Fire Chief Anthony Fabrizi.

At 4 p.m. Milford's 911 dispatch center received a call reporting a man in distress due to a rising tide. The incident occurred in the waters of Long Island Sound between Silver Sands State Park and Charles Island.

A 52-year-old Waterbury male along with his 24 year-old son, were attempting to walk out to Charles Island on a sandbar that becomes visible during low tide. Having misjudged the tide, the duo quickly became overcome by the swift current while attempting their return to shore, Fabrizi said.

The son swam to shore and called for help and Milford firefighters quickly responded to the area with 2 Marine Units, taking the father onboard to safety, Fabrizi said. He was returned to shore and evaluated and treated for minor injuries by Milford Fire Paramedic, fire officials said.

"All residents and visitors of the City of Milford are reminded to avoid walking out to Charles Island when the sand bar is visible. The rising tide brings a very strong current that often pulls recreational walkers out into deeper waters," Fabrizi said.

Photo credit: Anthony Fabrizi