4 Connecticut Anglers Rescued After Overnight Boat Capsize at Middle Grounds

[Susie Angler]

Four Connecticut Anglers Rescued from Capsized Boat at ​

Long Island Sound’s Middle Grounds​

Stratford Shoal, Long Island Sound — July 14, 2025
In a harrowing midnight ordeal, four Connecticut anglers were rescued after their center-console boat capsized near Stratford Shoal, also known to the fishing community as the Middle Grounds of Long Island Sound.

The group had launched out of Stratford, CT on Sunday evening, aiming for some late-night fishing. Instead, their 20-foot vessel overturned, leaving the four men clinging to the hull in darkness for nearly an hour—with no life jackets on board.

A Midnight Mayday​

At 12:07 a.m., a 911 call was placed reporting the capsized boat. Officers Jack Hardy and John Falcone from the Suffolk County Marine Bureau, aboard Marine Delta, responded immediately and began searching the area under pitch-black skies and choppy waters.

“Four Connecticut men spent nearly an hour holding onto the hull of their overturned boat in the Long Island Sound before being rescued by Suffolk County Marine Bureau officers,” Suffolk authorities reported.

“The men, who were not wearing life jackets, had launched from Stratford and were found clinging to the partially submerged vessel,” police confirmed.

Using their vessel’s searchlights, the officers located the boat’s faint outline—just the upturned hull visible in the waves—and swiftly brought the four men aboard.

“It Could Have Ended Differently”​

After being transported safely back to shore, all four were taken to a local hospital for treatment for exposure and hypothermia. They were cold, shaken—but alive.

No names were released. Police said alcohol was not believed to be involved.

This near-tragedy serves as a stark reminder to all boaters:

• Wear a life jacket—even if you think you don’t need one.
• File a float plan before any offshore trip.
• Always carry reliable signaling equipment and a VHF radio.
• Know your vessel and how it handles in mixed conditions, especially at night.

Lessons for the Fishing Community​

At NYAngler, we’ve fished the Middle Grounds long enough to know how fast things can turn. This time, the outcome was a successful rescue. Next time, it might not be.

This isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about sharing lessons, respecting the water, and making sure our community stays safe while chasing the bite.

To the officers involved—Job well done. And to the four men rescued—glad you're OK. Hope to see you back out there, safer and stronger.

 

[george]

I fish there often. They are lucky their alive. That is some scary stuff.