A dramatic rescue unfolded on the Quinnipiac River in New Haven on Wednesday afternoon. Ian Christmann, a resident of the area, heard shouting from the Fair Haven side of the river and sprang into action. Christmann, who has lived by the river for 25 years, grabbed his kayak and paddled out to assist a man struggling to stay afloat.
Rescue Efforts
The New Haven Fire Department deployed 18 firefighters on two rescue boats to reach the man. The smaller boat, Marine Three, was best positioned to navigate the river and reach the man first. Fire Chief Dan Coughlin praised the rescue efforts, saying the team did a good job executing the rescue.
According to Coughlin, the man, approximately 40 years old, had jumped off the Grand Avenue Bridge and was having trouble staying afloat due to strong currents. After being rescued, the man was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
A Call for Safety Measures
Christmann, who has witnessed several incidents of drowning in the river, believes the city should install handrails, ladders, or emergency gripping points along the seawall to help people who end up in the river. He noted that the wall is about 10 feet tall at low tide, making it difficult for people to climb out.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
