Two Hudson Valley Fishermen Die In Long Island Sound

FAIRFIELD, CT — Police have identified the two fishermen whose bodies were recovered Saturday after they were swept out to sea off Penfield Reef in Fairfield. They were identified as Victor Alfonso Paulino, 32, and Jose Cruz Rojas, 41. Both men were from Yonkers, New York.

Police in Fairfield received a report of four fishermen in distress at around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Two fishermen were rescued and two were reported missing. Police said fire personnel also rescued a father and a son fishing in the area of the reef. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Fairfield police and fire along with the US Coast Guard and marine units and dive teams from neighboring areas all responded as part of the search effort. After about an 8 hour search, authorities located the two drowning victims. They were submerged in 6 to 10 feet of water about half a nautical mile west from the shore.

Police Chief Gary McNamara called it a sad day in the town of Fairfield and thanked all those who responded. Assistant Fire Chief George Gomola said it was a perfect example of a well-coordinate rescue effort and commended the professionalism of all involved. He also thanked the U.S. Coast Guard.

Photo via Norwalk PD; map via google/maps