Boater, Dog Rescued From Long Island Sound: Stamford Fire

STAMFORD, CT — A boater and a dog were rescued from a vessel that was taking on water on Long Island Sound early Wednesday morning, according to the Stamford Fire Department.

On Sept. 9 at approximately 1:28 a.m., 911 dispatch received a call from the United States Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound reporting that a 24-foot vessel was taking on water off Westcott Cove.

A water rescue response was initiated with members of the Stamford Fire Department's dive team and other units.

A drone with infrared imaging capabilities was deployed to help locate the vessel, the Stamford Fire Department said.

"Upon arrival, the crew of Fireboat 236 found the vessel’s engine compartment submerged, causing the vessel to lose all power," the SFD said. "The vessel was occupied by one person and a dog, neither of whom was injured."

Units secured the vessel and immediately began "dewatering" operations. Firefighters controlled the flooding and kept the vessel from becoming fully submerged, the SFD noted.

Once the vessel was stabilized, Fireboat 236 safely towed it to the West Beach boat ramp, where the owner removed it from the water using a trailer.

"The Stamford Fire Department remains committed to protecting and assisting the residents and visitors of the City of Stamford—on land and on the water—regardless of weather conditions or time of day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," the SFD said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the vessel to take on water.