Capsized Sailboat Rescue - Long Island Sound

Stamford Fire Department responded with Stamford Police and Stamford EMS for a boat in distress on Long Island Sound approximately ¾ of a mile off the east side of Shippan Point. Patrons at the Woodway Beach Club at 95 Hobson Street witnessed a small sailboat capsize in rough waters at about 8:30 pm and contacted Stamford 911 for assistance.

A 30 year old male was the lone occupant of the 12 foot 9 inch Zuma sailboat that overturned in approximately 2 foot seas with 11-14 mph winds. The male ended up in the water but was able to right the vessel by himself and climb back in. The boat was then adrift with the sail collapsed. The water temperature was approximately 73 degrees F with an air temperature at about 67 degrees F with a considerable wind that caused the occupant to begin developing hypothermia.

Fire and Police Command personnel at the Woodway Beach Club were able to direct rescue boats to the victim from shore. A Stamford Police boat made first contact with the conscious victim at 8:52 and transported him into the West Beach boat ramp at 9:03 pm where they were met by Stamford Fire Department and Stamford EMS personnel who took over medical control, treated the victim for hypothermia, and transported him to Stamford Hospital for observation. A Stamford Fire boat secured the sailboat and brought the vessel into the West Beach boat ramp.