Just before 3:30 this afternoon, the New Bedford Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a possible capsized boat and a person stranded on the rocks in Clarks Cove.
Members of Engine Company 6 quickly deployed NBFD Marine 11, while members of Engine 1, along with the NBFD Marine Safety Officer, staffed NBFD Marine 38.
Marine 11 quickly located the stranded kayaker and safely brought him aboard. He was then transferred to Marine 38 and transported to a nearby dock, where New Bedford EMS was standing by to provide patient care. The individual was evaluated and released.
The man had taken his kayak out to fish along the shoreline when the kayak slid off the rocks. He entered the water in an attempt to retrieve it, making several attempts over approximately 20 minutes. However, the conditions made it impossible for him to recover the kayak from the water.
The kayak was later recovered in Dartmouth.
This was an outstanding effort by all of the responders involved, particularly the members of Engine 1 and Engine 6, who quickly staffed and deployed the department’s marine assets and successfully brought the stranded kayaker to safety.
