Two men are dead after their canoe capsized on Bolton Lake Wednesday evening, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Authorities said they were called to Bolton Lake for a water rescue at about 3:15 p.m.
A man was pulled from the water and taken to a nearby hospital. DEEP officials said he later died.
After an hours-long search, crews recovered a second body. That man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to DEEP.
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Officials said the men who died are 52-year-old Keith Mosher and 28-year-old Marcus Sterling, both of Vernon.
The police department said both men were in a canoe that overturned. The lake was choppy during rescue efforts, and crews had a difficult time staying put in the lake while conducting their search.
The investigation has been turned over to DEEP. Multiple fire departments and search and rescue crews responded to the scene.
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Search and rescue efforts have concluded. The incident remains under investigation.
DEEP officials want to remind boaters of the following cold water risks:
- Always wear your life jacket.
- File a float plan – Boaters should always let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return.
- Dress for cold water – The correct clothes can keep you comfortable, extend your season and save your life. In cold conditions, dress in layers of clothing that will retain body heat when wet and outer layers that repel water. Avoid cotton which stays wet and does not retain heat. Consider the use of a wet or dry suit.
- Safety gear and equipment – Make sure your safety gear and communication equipment are maintained, charged and working properly. Both Connecticut and federal law require a sound producing device onboard all vessels.
- Maintain a proper lookout – Boaters should be especially vigilant when they get out on the water at this time of year to look for and avoid floating debris such as damaged docks and logs that may be floating downstream and into Long Island Sound.
- Following proper maintenance procedures – Before heading onto the water, boaters should ensure all vessel maintenance is up to date and fire extinguishers are not expired. Accidents involving onboard fires or taking on water are generally a springtime occurrence.
