The Westport Fire Department has released photos of yesterday’s dramatic rescue of 27 teenage rowers, and 1 coach, from Long Island Sound.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes and adult were in 3 sculls and 1 chase boat when the weather suddenly turned nasty. The sculls filled with water; 2 overturned, as did the chase boat when the young rowers clung to it.
Click here for the full story of the event, including the superb efforts of Westport’s Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service, aided by mutual aid from surrounding towns.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brings rowers to shore.
First responders assist victims.
Emergency personnel remained for an hour after the last rower was rescued at 6 p.m., an hour after the incident began, to ensure that everyone was accounted for.
Emergency vehicles from many units raced to Compo Beach.
(All photos courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
A gift of daylight savings time!
First responders did a GREAT job!
They did their job…
This is a wonderful outcome for what could have been a tragedy
of immense proportions. We owe a great deal of thank you’s and congratulations to all the first responders, fire, rescue, police and Emt who made this life saving rescue possible.
In life we all should sometimes remember that old saying ” I’d rather be lucky than good” when we are faced with such a potential loss.
Am I the only one wondering about “60 ft” sculls? I am not a rower but 60 feet is long!