Like many “06880” readers, Alex O’Brien was intrigued by a recent “Friday Flashback” photo.
It showed Cockenoe Island — the 28-acre sanctuary a mile off Compo Beach.
With a nuclear power plant.
The AI-generated image was a reminder of what might have been. In the 1960s, United Illuminating proposed building exactly that.
Remarkably, some Westporters thought it was a good idea. (“Great for our tax base!”)
Fortuitously, others were aghast. After several years of controversy — and politics, and negotiations — the town paid $200,000 to buy Cockenoe Island.
It’s been ours ever since.
It’s still unbuilt, uninhabited, and an oasis for all. Anyone can sail or kayak out there. (A permit from the Conservation Department is required for overnight camping.)
But back to Alex O’Brien. The rising 9th grader has been featured on “06880” before, for his superb drone photography.
So even though the Cockenoe nuclear power plant kerfuffle happened decades before he was born (and predates his parents too), Alex wanted to follow up.
The other day, he flew his drone over the island.
The result: a spectacular view, from exactly the right height and angle.
In fact, it’s one of the best Westport images I’ve ever seen.
(Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)
Posting it here does not do it justice. Nor does enlarging it, with your fingers or whatever tool you have on your computer or phone.
Alex’s high-res shot deserves to be seen — and admired — in a much larger format.
Fortunately, the young photographer has a nice side business selling prints. Email him: alex@westportdronephotography.com. (And click here to see more of his work.)
Alex did not ask me to post this. He doesn’t even know I’m doing it.
But it’s the least I can do to celebrate him, and 60 years of a nuclear power plant-free Cockenoe Island.
This is absolutely breathtaking! By far, the BEST drone photo without a doubt !!!
Well done Alex!!