Kayakers Rescued From Mill Pond Mud

The West Islip Fire Department Hovercraft launches in the mud of Mill Pond in Centerport to rescue trapped couple in kayak. Photo by Steve Silverman

Two kayakers stuck in the mud about 100 yards off shore in Mill Pond in Centerport were rescued by Hovercraft on Tuesday night, fire officials said.

The Centerport Fire Department responded to a report at 8:56 p.m. that a couple was stuck in the mud in the pond, but rescuers were not able to reach the kayak due to the thick mud, which restricted boat access. Centerport Fire Chief Brian Mark requested the assistance of the West Islip Fire Department for its Hovercraft.

Firefighters launched the Hovercraft from an access area on Centershore Road, and were able to reach the kayak in several minutes. The female occupant was rescued at 10:02 p.m. and safely brought to shore. The Hovercraft made a return trip to rescue the male occupant at 10:07 p.m.

The couple was covered in dark mud, but uninjured, officials said.