BREAKING: Emergency responders acted quickly to rescue a man who fell into the frigid waters of Spicer’s Marina in Groton around 7:21 p.m. on Wednesday. Police officers braved icy temperatures, responding to a 911 call from the man’s friend, who reported that he was losing feeling in his limbs.
Upon arrival, the first officer on the scene located the man struggling in the water, being supported by his friend. The friend had found him submerged and managed to secure him to the dock to keep his head above water. Authorities confirmed that the man had been in the water for approximately 15 minutes, experiencing severe loss of movement in his arms and legs.
As the situation escalated, the officer called for additional units while they held the man’s wrist to keep him afloat. Fire personnel and other emergency responders soon arrived, clearing large blocks of ice from the area to facilitate the rescue.
In a coordinated effort, officers and the friend successfully pulled the man onto the dock. He was then placed on a rescue stretcher and transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Police later learned that the friend had dropped the man off at the marina earlier that evening, asking him to send a text once he boarded his boat. When no message was received, the friend returned to find him struggling in the water. An initial rescue attempt failed, prompting the urgent 911 call.
The operation was aided by multiple agencies, including the Noank Fire Department, Groton Long Point Police Department, and Mystic River Ambulance, showcasing a remarkable community effort to save a life in dire circumstances.
This urgent rescue highlights the critical importance of swift action in emergency situations and serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by freezing temperatures. Stay tuned for further updates as details continue to emerge.
