Stamford Fire Marine Division

09/24/2026

⚠️ MARINE WEATHER ADVISORY ⚠️

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin regarding potential heavy weather impacts from September 24-28.

A prolonged period of gusty northeast winds and rain is expected, with peak winds of 35-50 knots and gusts potentially exceeding 55 knots beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. Hazardous marine conditions are expected across Long Island Sound and surrounding waters.

Boaters are strongly encouraged to remain in port or seek safe harbor during hazardous conditions. Vessel owners should take time now to secure boats, check and double mooring lines, secure loose equipment, and prepare for strong winds and rough seas.

Please monitor the latest National Weather Service forecasts and marine warnings as conditions develop.

Stay safe and plan ahead.

09/15/2026

09/10/2026

BOAT RESCUE: Emergency crews used a drone with infrared imaging capabilities to find and contact the powerless vessel.

https://bit.ly/4r2ZTES

09/10/2026

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 dispatch...

09/09/2026

**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 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 by 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.

06/06/2026

🚨 NEW CONNECTICUT PADDLER LAW 🚨

Connecticut has enacted a new law requiring owners of unregistered paddlecraft—including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards—to display owner contact information on their vessel.

Every year, drifting or abandoned paddlecraft are reported to emergency responders. Without owner identification, it can be difficult to determine whether the vessel is simply lost property or if someone is actually missing and in danger.

A visible name and phone number can help first responders quickly contact the owner, determine whether an emergency exists, and focus valuable resources where they are needed most.

✅ Display your name and phone number
✅ Place the information where it is clearly visible
✅ Ensure it is waterproof and protected from wear
✅ Consider using a free Connecticut DEEP "If Found" sticker
✅ Always wear a life jacket and paddle responsibly

Remember: A found paddlecraft does not always mean a missing person—but proper identification helps us know the difference.

Stay safe and enjoy Connecticut’s waterways responsibly.

05/05/2026

🚨 Boating Safety Reminder 🚨

As the weather warms up, more people are getting back out on the water—but conditions can still be dangerous. Water temperatures across Long Island Sound remain in the 40s–50s, where cold shock and hypothermia can set in quickly.

🛟 Wear your life jacket
❄️ Dress for the water, not the air
⚓ Use your engine cut-off switch
🖐 Maintain 3 points of contact on deck
📱 Let someone know your plan

Boating safety questions? Reach out to us anytime!

04/12/2026

On Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at 10:05 hours, the Stamford Fire Department was dispatched to Cove Island for a report of 2 kayakers in distress. The kayakers were approximately 1,000 feet from shore when one of the kayaks overturned due to wind gusts and choppy waters. Due to the conditions, the ka...