Portland Firefighters Rescue Kayaker from Connecticut River

The kayaker was clinging to a log near Portland Boat Works before being pulled to safety.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Portland firefighters, along with crews from Middletown and Middletown's South Fire District, responded to a report of a kayaker in distress in the Connecticut River on Sunday evening. The firefighters were able to locate the individual, who was clinging to a large log off the shore of Portland Boat Works, and rescue them using a boat. The kayaker was evaluated by emergency medical personnel and transported to a hospital.

Why it matters

River rescues are an important part of the duties of local fire departments, especially in areas with active waterways like the Connecticut River. This incident highlights the quick response and coordination between multiple fire departments to safely retrieve a person in a potentially dangerous situation.

The details

According to Portland Fire Chief Rob Puida, the Portland Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the Connecticut River for a river rescue on Sunday evening following a report of a kayaker in distress. Because the incident was reported to be in the area just south of Harbor Park, firefighters from Portland, Middletown, and Middletown's South Fire District were all sent to the scene. The Portland firefighters went to Portland Boat Works with a rescue boat and were able to spot the individual, who was clinging to a large log off the shore. The firefighters launched their rescue boat and were able to get the person out of the water.

  • On Sunday evening, the Portland Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the Connecticut River for a river rescue.

The players

Rob Puida

The Portland Fire Chief who provided details about the rescue operation.

Portland Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the report of a kayaker in distress and carried out the rescue.

Middletown Fire Department

The neighboring fire department that also responded to assist with the river rescue.

Middletown's South Fire District

Another fire department that responded to the incident along the Connecticut River.

Hunter's Ambulance

The emergency medical service that evaluated the rescued kayaker and transported them to a hospital.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts between neighboring fire departments to ensure the safety of individuals in distress along waterways. The quick action of the Portland, Middletown, and Middletown South firefighters likely prevented a more serious outcome.