Five Rescued From Boat In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Five people were rescued Saturday after a boat ran aground near the Housatonic River.

Firefighters received two 911 calls about 6:30 p.m. about a 28-foot vessel that was on the rocks, but emergency personnel searched 45 minutes for the boat and didn’t find it, according to a Stratford Fire Department news release. Firefighters were returning to shore when the department was contacted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The federal agency had received a call about the vessel, which was near the Stratford Army Engine Plant on the outbound Housatonic River.

Responders found the boat about 8:30 p.m., and discovered it was completely out of the water and listing 45 degrees, the news release said. Crews worked to remove the people from the vessel and bring them to shore, and the damaged boat was towed.

“Stratford Fire wants to remind all boaters to carry the proper emergency equipment and be familiar with its use as well as emergency procedures,” the news release said.