The Westport Police Department offers this update on yesterday’s rescue of more than 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers:
Westport Police Marine Division continue the investigation into the boating incident. As of this morning, the following information is known:
- One of the capsized rowing sculls has not been recovered, and is missing. The other 2 sculls were brought to Ned Dimes Marina last night.
- The “chase boat” that sank has been located, submerged near Cockenoe Island, and will be recovered later this afternoon.
- Both rowers who were transported to Norwalk Hospital and treated for cold exposure have been released from the hospital.
- The total number of rowers/coaches involved in this incident stands at 29. We have determined that 19 people were in the water and 10 (9 rowers and 1 coach) were able to remain in their vessels.
- The investigation will focus on any weather advisories that were posted, available life jackets, experience of the rowers and coaches, and suitability of the vessels.
- As Chief Foti Koskinas stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again. We feel this investigation will aid in that mission.
Rescue operations yesterday, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
I’ve had a boat at the marina for over 20 years. The marine division of Westport Police Department has always been outstanding. The town should be proud of them.
Lifejackets?
That is a reasonable question. It’s hard to believe there isn’t a aerodynamic and lightweight life jacket that could be used in competitive boating sports.
The Coast Guard must take part in the investigation to assess the clubs practices and safety measures. This was a close call.BTW why would a chase boat sink completely? It should be built to remain partially afloat even if swamped.
There is nothing wrong with the clubs practices or safety measures.
Let’s not get dramatic !
Everyone is ok.
It’s water this kind of thing can always happen.
It was handled.
And these kids are not walking but are running to join this world class operation which is world recognized as one of the strongest rowing clubs on earth. Literally. Has a massive waitlist and incredible safety record. It also gets lots and lots of kids into ivys etc, and schools they would quite likely otherwise not get into. which is why there is a waitlist.
No idea why chase boats are built how they are built.
There were in fact life vests, and the athletes used them. My son was in one of these boats (he even handed out life vests), and I could not feel prouder of him, his teammates, and his coaches – and even the equipment. Everything functioned exactly as it should have. The only unpredictable variable was the weather. Scary – of course. But, also handled with skill.
The lifejackets were on the chase boat or the rowers? It may not be the law but in cold water they should be wearing at least inflatable vests or belts.
By law they must be worn
Rowers do not row in life jackets. It would be impossible.
It is also not mandated by law. Not for activities such as rowing. It would be like asking a swimming athlete to swim in a life vest.
These are the best rowers in the USA, some of them in the world. And the saugatuck rowing club is a first class, world class club and operation.
Unfortunately weather can happen.
Fortunately everyone was ok.
They cannot train in life vests. But there were life vest available.
I am sure going forward if they have not already a waiver, there will be one which states if you want to row with the saugatuck rowing club which has enormous wait lists, then in accordance with the law, you cannot row, wearing a life vest.
There were as Jenna said life vests and the kids were able to put them on.