URGENT UPDATE: Police officers have successfully rescued a man from freezing waters at Spicer’s Marina in Groton, Connecticut, late Wednesday evening. The Groton Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:21 PM reporting that a man had fallen into the icy water, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
As temperatures plummeted below freezing, a friend of the victim reported that he was losing feeling in his limbs after falling into the water. The first officer on the scene quickly located the man, who was struggling to stay afloat with the help of his friend. The victim had reportedly been submerged for 15 minutes and was in dire need of assistance.
Police confirmed that the friend had initially dropped the man off at the marina earlier that evening and expected a text message once he boarded his boat. When the message never arrived, the friend returned to find him in distress, which led to the emergency call.
Officers provided immediate support by holding the man’s wrist to keep him afloat until additional units arrived. They cleared large chunks of ice from the area, facilitating the rescue effort.
“After a coordinated effort, officers and the friend successfully pulled him onto the dock,” said a spokesperson for the Groton Police Department. The victim was then transferred to a rescue stretcher and transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Noank Fire Department, Groton Long Point Police Department, Mystic River Ambulance, and Groton Ambulance, highlighting the collaborative effort in this urgent situation.
Authorities stress the importance of safety in extreme weather conditions, particularly around water. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by cold temperatures and the critical nature of timely response in emergencies.
As this story develops, updates will be provided on the victim’s recovery and any further details surrounding the incident. Stay tuned for more information as authorities continue to investigate.
