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.
“we all show up to help”; 29 Rowers Rescued from Long Island Sound
Westport Fire Department photoPress Release:
Westport Police, Westport Fire, and Westport EMS responded to Compo Beach on a report that there were numerous people in the water after a boat they were operating capsized. Responding units found a chaotic scene of youths swimming to shore, arriving by boat, and some still in the water near Cockenoe Island. First Responders immediately began providing care to those individuals who were on shore and coordinating the recovery of people in the water. While accounting for and locating all the people involved, medical care was provided, and two individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time the initial investigation indicates that three (3) rowing sculls and one (1) chase boat launched from Saugatuck Rowing Club. Each rowing scull is 60 feet long and held nine (9) rowers ranging in age from 14-18 while the chase boat was operated by their coach. When the boats reached the area of Cockenoe Island, the weather began to change, and the rowers attempted to return to the rowing club. The rowing sculls began to take on water causing two of them to capsize throwing 18 people into the water. These individuals swam to the chase boat and began to hang onto the side of that boat which caused the chase boat to sink as well. Another chase boat from the rowing club arrived on scene and began to shuttle people to Compo Beach Marina.
At the time of this incident the air temperature was approximately 40 degrees, and the water temperature was 44 degrees.
In total there were 29 people from the rowing club that were involved in this incident.
The following agencies assisted Westport Emergency Services with this incident:
Fairfield Police Marine Division
Stamford Police Marine Division
Noroton Fire Boat
Norwalk Police Marine Division
Norwalk Fire Marine Division
US Coast Guard
The following Emergency Medical Services provided a combined 8 ambulances and 20 personnel:
Norwalk Hospital
American Medical Response (AMR)
Darien EMS
Westport Board of Education assisted by providing a school bus to transport the individuals from Compo Beach to Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“This was truly a team effort” Chief Koskinas stated. “We are grateful for our surrounding agencies who assisted us with this incident and remind our communities that when a large scale event, like this, happens we all show up to help.”
New Date For Firefighter’s Whiskey Tasting To Fund Replacement Of AED’s For First Responders
This 2nd annual event was originally scheduled for Friday, April 26th, but has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th. The Westport community is gathering to raise funds for replacing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines used by first responders.
Hosted by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation, the event will be held at Autostrada of Westport from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. It promises to be an enjoyable evening filled with entertainment and elegance, right in the heart of our town. Attendees will be welcomed with a red-carpet entrance and can enjoy drinks, delicious bites, and participate in a silent auction featuring contributions from local donors.
The goal of this fundraising gala is to ensure that every Fire, Police, and EMS vehicle in our community is equipped with functional AED machines, which are crucial in emergency situations. AEDs are portable devices that deliver an electric shock to the heart to correct abnormal rhythms, particularly during sudden cardiac arrest. This condition occurs when the heart's natural electrical system malfunctions, and prompt treatment is vital to prevent fatalities. The existing AEDs in Westport are reaching the end of their lifespan and require replacement, with a fundraising target set at $75,000.00.
Westport Firefighter Robert Lenois, President of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation, emphasized, “AEDs are a crucial piece of equipment needed to have a positive outcome during a cardiac arrest. The money donated during this event is going to save lives.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas expressed appreciation for the Foundation's efforts and highlighted the significance of AEDs in their emergency response procedures. “The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation should be applauded for their efforts. AEDs are an integral tool when we respond to cardiac arrest events. Westport’s first responders have used AEDs successfully and have saved the lives of many people in Westport.”
All members of the community who wish to support this cause are invited to join the event on April 26th. Together, we can contribute to the safety and well-being of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones through our collective generosity.
Tickets can be purchased online here: 2nd Annual Whiskey Tasting
Various Sponsorship packages are also available for businesses and organizations interested in demonstrating their commitment to community health and safety. For more information, please contact rlenois@westportct.gov
UConn Fans Turn Mitchell’s Westport Into Husky Heaven
On Wednesday night Mitchell’s on the Post Rd. in Westport hosted a truly one-of-a-kind event when they brought the legendary UConnHead Coach Geno Auriemma and his many members of his 2024 Big East Champion Women’s Baskeball team to meet their fans, celebrate their accomplishments and to raise funds for their student athlete involved charity, Bleeding Blue For Good.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left, Page Bueckers joins Legendary UConn Women’s Basketball coach Geno Auriemma on stage to speak with the nearly 200 Husky fans gathered for the event. At right, Husky KK Arnold joins Auriemma and the moderator.
The was a sea of smiling faces at the event as nearly 200 members of Huskey Nation ranging in age from elementary schoolers to one gentleman who was 100 years young. Fans waited on lines to take photos with UConn stars such as Paige Bueckers who at guard is averaging over 21 points a game, Aziz Fudd, KK Arnold, Qadence Samuels, Ashlynn Shade, Ice Brady, who stepped in when starting center Aaliyah Edwards left a game recently with an injury, and other teammates. Fans came through the door carrying almost anything that could be signed, from posters to player-numbered jerseys, basketballs, sneakers and even photo mat boards and frames.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UConn players were gracious, charming and patient, maintaining their big smiles through some serious writer’s cramps trying to make clear signatures on some very difficult-to-sign items. Geno and his team made sure every fan got the most out of what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.
Coach Auriemma has built a virtually unrivaled women’s basketball program over his 39 years with the University Of Connecticut and is the winningest coach in NCAA history in terms of National Championships with 11, edging out another legendary coach, UCLA’s John Wooden. Auriemma was only one of 9 women’s basketball teams to have perfect season when in the 2015-2016 season they went 38-0. There was no more dominant program or team in the country in the 2010s than UConn as it won four straight national championships and went 151-14 from 2012-16. In 2004 Coach Auriemma joined Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun when both men and women became the first division one program to win national titles in the same year, a fee repeated in the 2013-2014 season.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One very dedicated Husky fan, Ivy Toi, a Long Lots 4th grader was going to make the most of here meeting one of her “sheros” Paige Bueckers who wears a trademark elaborately braided hairstyle each game. Ivy, who may be destined to join a Uconn Husky squad one day as she was PAL 4th grade Blue Team Defensive Player of the year, went to Wendy Buten at Moxie Salon who created a perfect replica of Buckers well-known braids. She is pictured here with Coach Auriemma, father John and brother, Bedford Middle 6th grader Everett. Above, left, Ivy poses with Paige, right, Coach Auriemma signs memorabilia for Ivy’s Dad and brother.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Among those attending Wednesday’s event were former First Selectman and Husky fan Jim Marpe, (left). At right, Mitchell’s founder Jack Mitchell (L) and Bill Mitchell (R) and Bruce Blanchard (C).
UConn teamates with autographed Husky Basketballs which were offered at $500. and were quickly snatched up.
Following the speaker’s portion of the event a Q &A session provided the audience to ask questions of Coach Auriemma.
KK Arnold tries, albeit with only partial success, to get Coach to perform his famous “Victory Dance” which he debuted after the Women won the Big East Championship title in 2023.
To see how winning another in a long string of titles over his 39 year career with the University Of Connecticut affects Coach Auriemma, click: Geno Auriemma Victory Dance.
More About Bleeding Blue For Good:
Bleeding Blue for Good provides name, image, and likeness opportunities for UConn student-athletes that help them make a difference.
Bleeding Blue For Good holds clinics, helps support other charitable organizations such as the Tommy Fund. Their involvement and presence substantially boosts charitable event contributions. The presence of the UConn men at a recent Tommy Fund event increased their social media stats by a factor of 10. They recently joined with the UConn Red Cross Club made up of students which holds blood drives and reports to the CT Red Cross.
When speaking to the audience, the organization’s President and Co-Founder, John Malfettone spoke of their recent blood drive efforts. Many blood drives have some attendance, however when UConn Men’s Center Donovon Clingan tweeted that team members would be at the drive, within 16 hours every single slot was filled. According to the Red Cross, every unit of blood saves three lives and as a result of their presence at the drive, they saved 135 lives that day! The Huskies posed for pics and singed autographs delighting those who made donations.
Learn more and how you can help: Bleeding Blue For Good
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.