URGENT UPDATE: Police officers in Groton have successfully rescued a man who fell into freezing waters at Spicer’s Marina on Wednesday evening. The Groton Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:21 p.m. reporting the incident, with the caller expressing that the man was losing feeling in his limbs.
Officers arrived to find the man struggling in the water, supported by his friend. The friend had discovered him submerged and managed to secure him to the dock, keeping his head above water. Authorities report the man had been in the icy waters for 15 minutes, suffering from loss of movement in his arms and legs.
As temperatures plummeted below freezing, the urgency of the situation escalated. The first officer on the scene quickly requested additional units while holding the man’s wrist to keep him afloat. Responding officers and firefighters worked together to clear large chunks of ice from the area, enabling a safe rescue.
“After a coordinated effort, officers and the friend were able to pull him onto the dock,” stated the Groton Police Department. He was then transferred to a rescue stretcher provided by fire personnel and transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities later learned that the friend had dropped the man off at the marina earlier that evening and had asked him to send a text message after boarding his boat. When no message was received, the friend returned to find him in distress, leading to the 911 call.
The rescue was supported by multiple agencies, including the Noank Fire Department, Groton Long Point Police Department, Groton Long Point Fire Department, Mystic River Ambulance, and Groton Ambulance.
This incident highlights the critical importance of immediate action in emergency situations, especially in life-threatening conditions. As temperatures continue to drop, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and take precautions around icy waters.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this dramatic rescue.
