STAMFORD, CT — On September 9, 2026, at approximately 1:28 a.m., the Stamford Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call from United States Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound reporting a 24-foot vessel taking on water off Westcott Cove.

A water rescue response was immediately dispatched, including Engine 5 and Rescue 1 with members of the Stamford Fire Department Dive Team, Engine 1 and Unit 4, and Engine 4 with Fireboat 236. Stamford EMS also responded with an ambulance and a supervisor.

To assist with locating the vessel, the Stamford ECC deployed a drone equipped with infrared (IR) imaging capabilities. Fireboat 236 quickly established radar contact with a target believed to be the vessel in distress. At the same time, the ECC drone located the vessel using IR imaging and confirmed that its coordinates matched the radar target identified by Fireboat 236.

Upon arrival, the crew of Fireboat 236 found the vessel’s engine compartment submerged, causing the vessel to lose all power. The vessel was occupied by one person and a dog, neither of whom was injured.

With the vessel continuing to take on water and at risk of sinking, the crew of Fireboat 236 secured the vessel and immediately began dewatering operations. Firefighters were able to control the flooding and prevent the vessel from becoming fully submerged.

Once the vessel was stabilized, Fireboat 236 safely towed it to the West Beach boat ramp, where the owner was able to remove it from the water using a trailer.

The Stamford Fire Department remains committed to protecting and assisting the residents and visitors of the City of Stamford—on land and on the water—regardless of weather conditions or time of day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Incident Details (if applicable):

Incident Number: 26-09802
Incident Location: Long Island Sound
Incident Date: 2026-09-09 01:30:00.0

CONTACT INFO:

Deputy Fire Chief / Public Information Officer Philip Hayes
(203) 977-5600

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