Car Ends Up In River, 1 Rescued From Submerged Vehicle, Ledyard Fire Officials Say

LEDYARD, CT — One person was rescued after their car ended up in the Thames River, said the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company.

At 4:20 a.m. Saturday, the Gales Ferry and Ledyard Fire companies and American Ambulance responded to Hurlbutt Road at the Thames River boat launch for a vehicle into the water, officials said.

On arrival, a single vehicle was located offshore and partially submerged. Two Ledyard Police officers and a Gales Ferry firefighter entered the water and rescued one occupant from the now submerged vehicle, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment, fire officials said. Additional firefighters entered the water to secure the vehicle and complete an initial search.

Responding regional dive and marine assets that had been previously requested were utilized to provide search assistance and secure the vehicle for removal from the water, officials said.

The Ledyard Fire Company said when emergency crews responded, one person was inside the car, which was about 50-feet from the shore.

"Those units entered the water and gained entry to the vehicle, rescuing one patient. The patient was transported to the hospital, a secondary search was performed to ensure there was only one occupant," Ledyard Fire Company officials said.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Ledyard Police.

Assisting Agencies:

Ledyard Police
Ledyard Fire
American Ambulance
L&M Paramedics
Subase Engine 62
City of Norwich marine unit
Old Mystic dive team
Taftville/Yantic dive team