Westport Marine Police Rescue 4 From Sinking Boat

WESTPORT, CT — Four people were rescued by members of the Westport Police Marine Unit Tuesday afternoon from a sinking boat in the waters near Peck's Ledge Lighthouse, according to Lt. Jillian Cabana.

The call came in at about 2:30 p.m. after an oyster boat initially reported seeing four people in the water to the Norwalk Police Department, which then notified Westport.

"The Westport Police Department Marine Unit responded and located a small aluminum boat taking on water," Cabana stated. "The boat was clearly over loaded and partially submerged with four occupants clinging to it. The men were shivering, were not properly dressed for conditions and two did not have personal floatation devices."

Westport Detective Marc Heinmiller, Corporal Brendan Fearon and Officer Taylor Field pulled the four men from the water and warmed them with blankets onboard Westport Marine 1. The four were then transferred to a Norwalk Fire Department boat, which brought them to shore to a
waiting ambulance that transported them to Norwalk Hospital for treatment.

"After rescuing the men, officers were able to pump out the boat in order to prevent it from
sinking," Cabana added. "Once refloated, it was towed from the scene to Norwalk shores by the Norwalk Police Department Marine Unit.

"The Westport Police Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Norwalk
Police and Fire Departments for their assistance. The coordinated effort led to a successful
resolution to what could have been a fatal situation."