The Connecticut Marine Trades Association Recognizes Officers in Kayak Rescue

Essex, CT – The Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) presented Westbrook Marine Patrol Boat Officers, Larry Merrill and Dave Russell with Certificates of Appreciation in a recent ceremony aboard their patrol boat in the wake of their rescue of Luis Martin on May 7th following a wide-spread search for the over-due kayaker.

Marin, 25 of Broadbrook, CT properly advised friends of his “float plan” on the chilly May day telling them he planned to return no later than 3:00 pm from his solo paddle out to the islands and back.  His friends alerted State Police when he had not yet returned by 5:30 pm.

A search and rescue ensued including emergency personnel from Westbrook, Old Saybrook, the United States Coast Guard and the State’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection utilizing a grid search pattern.

Nearly three hours into the effort, with failing light and dropping temperatures, Merrill & Russell decided upon another pass near Long Sand Shoal.  As Merrill stepped around the boat’s center console windshield he noticed a colored object in the water and headed to investigate and found Mr. Martin, wearing “his life-jacket, calm and bear hugging the kayak”, said Merrill.

According to the two officers, Mr. Martin, somehow had tipped the boat during his paddle, but was lucky because he had followed two key fundamental safety procedures:  Filed a Float Plan with friends and wore his life-jacket. 

CMTA recognizes the efforts Officers Merrill and Russell and applaud their “above and beyond” efforts to locate the stranded paddler.  

As we enter the height of the boating season, CMTA shares this important story to illustrate the importance of always following proper safety protocols. 

·         File a float plan, let people know travel plans, destinations and times of arrival
·         Always have proper safety gear and personal flotation devices at the ready
·         Know what to do and who to call  in case of an emergency
·         Be prepared

Have fun on the water this summer.  Make it even more fun, by being educated, prepared and safe.

The Connecticut Marine Trades Association is a professional group of marine and marine-related business working in unison to protect and promote the recreational boating industry.

From L.  Officer Larry Merrill, Amy Clark, CMTA, Tracy Diacetis, CMTA, Officer Dave Russell, Kathleen Burns, CMTA

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