SOUTH HADLEY — Shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, a person was seen clinging to a sheet of ice in the Connecticut River near the Mueller Bridge, located behind 34 Canal Street. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene but faced significant challenges in reaching the individual due to hazardous conditions.
“On arrival, a person could be seen clinging to the ice approximately 150 yards from the shore,” said South Hadley District 1 Fire Captain Jason Houle in a statement released early Tuesday evening. “A rescue was attempted, but the victim went under the water before he could be reached. Efforts were impacted by the river current and ice conditions.”
Captain Houle added, “This is a recovery mission at this point, and recovery efforts will resume tomorrow.”
In addition to South Hadley firefighters, multiple agencies responded to the call, including Massachusetts State Police, South Hadley Police, the Holyoke Police Department, and the Western Mass Regional Dive Team. Both South Hadley Fire Departments, Districts 1 and 2, as well as the Holyoke Fire Department, were also present at the scene.
https://gazettenet.com/2026/01/13/recovery-efforts-underway-for-person-in-connecticut-river/
