Norwalk FD Marine Division Responds to Sailboat in Distress

The Norwalk Fire Department's Marine Division assisted the United States Coast Guard in responding to a distress call at 1:25 p.m. Saturday from a 21-foot sailboat that had broken its mast, causing it to lose its sails and rigging, while participating in a regatta on Long Island Sound.

The sailboat, which was operated by two female sailors, became disabled about two miles off of the Norwalk coast, about one and half miles south of Greens Ledge, in about 100 feet of water, according to a press release from the Norwalk Fire Department's Marine Division.

Firefighters reportedly encountered winds of 15 to 20 knots and 4 foot seas. The 2012 Pogo sailboat involved is reportedly valued around $85,000.

On arrival the US Coast Guard was already on scene and had placed two of its crew members on the disabled boat, according to the release.

Norwalk Fire and Police units stabilized the boat's position to withstand the rough conditions in the Sound by slowly towing it into the wind. The Fire Boat then towed the disabled boat into Sheffield Harbor.

After the rigging and sails were secured on the sail boat, Norwalk Marine Police towed it to Norwalk's Cove Marina, with Fire Department personnel providing assistance.

No injuries were reported.