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Kayaker Rescued From Icy Waters Of Southport Harbor In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Conn. - A kayaker was pulled from the frigid waters of Southport Harbor in Fairfield after the boat overturned on Wednesday afternoon, Fairfield fire officials said.  

Firefighter Dave Mitkowski with Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police Department and AMR units in background at marine rescue.

Firefighter Dave Mitkowski with Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police Department and AMR units in background at marine rescue.

 Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Fairfield Firefighter Jon Catandella, Lt. Pat Barry, and Firefighter Tom Janik take up from marine rescue with Engine 1 and Marine 7.

Fairfield Firefighter Jon Catandella, Lt. Pat Barry, and Firefighter Tom Janik take up from marine rescue with Engine 1 and Marine 7.

 Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
A single-seat kayak was recovered from Southport Harbor channel by the Fairfield Fire Department.

A single-seat kayak was recovered from Southport Harbor channel by the Fairfield Fire Department.

 Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
by Alissa Smith

Shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Fairfield Fire Department was called to Southport Harbor on a report of an overturned boat in the water. 

First responders found the kayaker at the Ye Yacht Yard dock with Travis Herman of Southport Yacht Club. Herman said the kayaker had been pulled from removed from the water alongside the overturned kayak. He later reported having been contacted by Good Samaritan Landon Storrs to assist after she called 911.

The first responders came out in full force, sending three engines, a ladder truck, Fairfield police, a marine unit and medical personnel. 

Fairfield fire and medical personnel treated that patient on the dock as the marine unit went out into the harbor to check the overturned boat in the channel for additional patients. None were found, and firefighters brought the single-person kayak back to shore. 

“While the air temperatures may be warm, water temps remain dangerously cold and recreational watercraft use is not advisable without special gear designed for cold-water boating,” Assistant Chief George Gomola said. "This tragedy was hopefully averted due to the quick actions of Travis Herman and the observational skills of Landon Storrs, although its outcome remains in the hands of Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Room staff."

The condition of the kayaker was not known. 

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