Westport Police, Firefighters Respond to Boat Fire on Long Island Sound

Westport police and firefighters responded to a boat fire on Long Island Sound off Cedar Point at about 8 p.m. Saturday, August 13.

According to a report from the Westport Fire Department, Westport Police Captain Sam Arciola, who was off duty fishing in his private boat along with his friend Don Saunders not far from where the incident occurred, noticed smoke and flames coming from the 47-foot vessel — a Meridian with twin diesel engines named “TWOSOME” from out of Cove Marina in Norwalk.

According to the report, Captain Arciola and Saunders rescued the lone occupant of the vessel before it became fully involved in flames.

Meanwhile police had already received several 911 calls reporting a vessel on fire on Long Island Sound. Westport Marine Police responded to the scene with three marine units, assisted by members of the Westport Fire Department. Outside agencies from the Norwalk Police and Fire Departments as well as the Coast Guard also assisted.

Marine units were reportedly unable to extinguish the fire, and the vessel burned down to the water line. Arrangements are being made to salvage the vessel. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Police Marine Division.

The lone occupant of the vessel was transported to Compo Marina by Captain Arciola.