Westport PD Update On Yesterday’s Marine Rescue
First responders gather yesterday to effect the rescue of Saugatuck Rowing Club rowers when their boats capsized.
The Westport Police Department released an updated press release this morning regarding yesterday’s rescue of 29 members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club when their rowing sculls and chase boat capsized near Cockenoe Island when the weather quickly turned bad.
This morning’s press release:
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 two sculls were brought to Compo Marina last night.
* The “chase boat” that sank has been located, submerged near Cockeone 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 the Chief stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again and we feel this investigation will aid in that mission.
Westport Police Update: An update on the ongoing situation was provided this afternoon, saying, ”the operation this afternoon to locate and recover the sunken ‘chase boat’ operation has been suspended. Weather conditions, small craft advisory, and some erroneous location information has guided this decision.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club released a statement today regarding the rescue of their rowers:
Mihaela Ungureanu, CEO of the rowing club said that they want “to understand the circumstances fully and to identify any areas where the club's safety measures can be improved.”
She said, “First and foremost, we are grateful that all 29 individuals involved in the incident are safe and accounted for," adding that "Two students had hypothermia and were taken to Norwalk Hospital, and they have recovered. Our rower’s well-being remains our utmost priority, and we commend the swift and effective response of the authorities involved in ensuring their rescue."
Another view of the first responders at yesterday’s marine rescue.
All photos courtesy of Westport Fire Department.