Jet Skis Collide On Connecticut River In Windsor, State Officials Say

WINDSOR, CT — A jet ski operator involved in a collision on the Connecticut River Sunday afternoon was rescued after being found unconscious in the water.

The accident involving two jet skis happened around 4:44 p.m. just south of the East Barber Drive boat launch, according to James Fowler, a spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

According to Fowler, several friends were on the river on jet skis, when two operators traveling southbound became separated. One operator made a sweeping turn into the path of the other, resulting in a collision, he said. One of the jet skis sank, and both operators ended up in the water.

Fowler said one male operator was found “unconscious and face down in the water.”

Friends came to his rescue, and he regained consciousness without the need for CPR, according to Fowler.

The man was taken by ambulance to Hartford Hospital, where he was being held for observation. As of Monday, the man, whose name was not released, was alert and in stable condition, Fowler said.

“No individuals were missing at any point during the incident according to those at the scene,” Fowler said. “Responding units ensured all parties were safely removed from the water.”

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision as of Monday. DEEP and Windsor police and fire officials also responded to the scene.

One jet ski was recovered and will be retained temporarily as part of the investigation. A second jet ski is still submerged as of Monday, and the operator will have a private salvage company retrieve it.