Body Of Missing Boater Recovered On Candlewood Lake, Officials Say

The body of the individual who went missing Friday on Candlewood Lake in Sherman has been located and recovered on Saturday, state officials said.

On Friday, state officials said that a 55-year-old man who entered the water from a vessel and did not resurface. The vessel was anchored at the time, and a defined search area was established. Dive teams were in the water working in coordination with responding agencies.

"Our hearts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and hope they can find comfort and support as they grieve this tragic loss," said DEEP spokesperson James Fowler.

Fowler said in an update Monday morning that DEEP EnCon Police identified the man as

Anand Baghel, 55, of Hamden.

The Sherman Volunteer Fire Department said they responded at 2:32 p.m. Friday reporting a drowning party in Candlewood Lake off the shore of Deer Island in Sherman. The incident involved a male swimmer who had jumped from a boat and did not resurface, fire officials said.

Search operations resumed Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and the body of the missing swimmer was found 3 p.m. Saturday by divers. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by Connecticut DEEP and EnCon Police.

"This incident is also a solemn reminder of the dangers that can come with recreating in and around the water. Even experienced swimmers can encounter unexpected challenges, and we urge all who enjoy Connecticut’s lakes and waterways to take every precaution for their safety and the safety of those around them," said Fowler. "This operation involved extraordinary cooperation and dedication from multiple responding agencies. We thank each of them for their efforts:

• Beacon Falls Police Department K9
• Brookfield Candlewood Fire Department Marine Unit
• Brookfield Police Department Dive Team
• Candlewood Lake Authority Patrol
• Connecticut State Police
• Danbury Police Department Dive Team
• Danbury Battalion 19, Squad 19
• Danbury EMS
• DEEP EnCon Police
• Fairfield County Fire Coordinator
• Region 5 Dive Team
• Sherman Fire Department