On June 27, Bobby Silva, a 26‑year‑old member of Laborers Local 547 from Waterford, was conducting routine training drills on the Connecticut River when a startling radio call came in from New London Animal Control. A five‑week‑old kitten had fallen into the water from the safe span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, a drop of roughly 120 feet.
Quick thinking saves a life
Silva, who was aboard a safety boat at the time, immediately recognized the danger. “The first thing that popped up in my mind was we needed to get that cat out,” he said. He saw the tiny animal struggling against rough waters and strong winds, and he knew that any further movement of his boat could push the water around the kitten, sending it farther downstream.
Acting without hesitation, Silva reached over the side, grabbed the frightened kitten, and pulled it aboard. The startled animal bit Silva and clung to his thumb for a few seconds before he was able to secure it safely in the boat.
Veterinary care confirms a miracle
New London Animal Control rushed the kitten to a veterinary hospital, where doctors were amazed to find no broken bones despite the high‑impact fall. The only injury reported was a bruised lung with fluid, a condition that, with prompt treatment, was expected to heal fully.
From rescue to adoption
On July 19, Silva officially adopted the kitten, naming her Molly Carlson after Canadian world‑medalist cliff diver Molly Carlson, whose daring feats inspired the rescue story. An animal‑control officer on the scene had initially called the kitten Geronimo.
“I’ve always been a cat person, and the connection I felt when I saved this little one was undeniable,” Silva explained. “I felt a calling to keep her and give her a loving home.”
Silva expected Molly to remain skittish after such trauma, but the kitten quickly proved otherwise. “She loves being loved and always purrs,” he said. “She’s a happy kitty, grateful to be alive and to have someone who cares for her.”
Speculation and community message
Animal control officials have speculated that the kitten may have been tossed from a vehicle, and Silva believes the animal landed on the bridge’s safe span after attempting to jump off the bridge earlier.
Silva encourages others to consider adopting animals they feel a connection with, trusting their instincts to do the right thing. “She’s a tough little kitten,” he added, highlighting the resilience of even the smallest creatures when given a chance.
Local impact
The rescue has resonated throughout the Waterford community, showcasing the compassion and quick action of a local laborer. It also underscores the importance of animal‑control services and the role of everyday citizens in protecting vulnerable animals.
Silva’s story serves as a reminder that ordinary people can make extraordinary differences, reinforcing the values of family, faith, and personal responsibility that many in Waterford hold dear.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
