Rip Current — New Haven, Connecticut

2002-10-19 · near Milford, New Haven, Connecticut

Wider weather episode

As a cold front pushed east toward a relatively strong high pressure system, southwest surface winds rapidly increased and seas quickly built during Saturday morning, October 19th. The Automated Surface Observing System at Sikorsky Airport in Bridgeport measured sustained wind speeds around 20 knots with gusts to 28 knots between 8 am and noon, when the marine accident occurred. The wind system on Buoy 44025, located about 20 miles south of Fire Island Inlet, measured southwest winds that increased to 25 to 30 knots by noon with a significant wave height of 6 feet.Increasing winds and building seas caused an 11 foot motorized fiberglass fishing boat to capsize in Long Island Sound near Milford Connecticut. Bodies of 2 male fishermen were found around noon in the area of 18 Field Court and 75 Melba Street in ankle deep water. These 2 streets were within 10 blocks of each other. A preliminary investigation revealed the steel lead on the fishing line became entangled in the propeller, which knocked out the boat's motor. High winds and choppy seas forced the "boat to spin around and capsize."

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5318530. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.