06/14/2026
Update 4:45PM:
Joint Statement from the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department
A short time after 7:00 a.m. on June 13, 2026, the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting that two fishermen were in distress off the reef at Penfield Beach.
An investigation determined that two fishermen were on the reef at Penfield Beach when the incoming tide quickly surrounded them, leaving them trapped with rising water and no safe way back to shore.
A witness observed the situation and immediately entered the water in an attempt to assist. While the witness was able to help one of the fishermen, both were subsequently swept into deeper water. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department immediately dispatched multiple marine assets to the area. The Fairfield Police Boat was able to rescue the witness and one fisherman while other police and fire vessels continued searching for the second fisherman.
Additionally, the Fairfield Police and Fire Department Drone Units, in coordination with the Westport Police Department Drone Unit, assisted in search operations. Helicopters from the United States Coast Guard and Nassau County also responded. In addition to the Fairfield Police and Fairfield Fire Department Dive Teams, dive teams from Westport, Monroe, Milford, Trumbull, Bridgeport, Nassau County, and Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue responded to assist in the search.
The rescued fisherman was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, due in large part to the courageous actions of the witness.
The missing fisherman has been identified as 34-year-old Kwahiwi Edwards of Queens, New York. Search efforts began at approximately 7:30 a.m. and continued throughout the day, extending beyond the tide cycle. Despite an extensive search involving local, state, and federal resources, Mr. Edwards has not been located. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department extend their thoughts and support to his family and loved ones.
At the time of this release, active search operations have been suspended for the evening. Search and recovery efforts will resume on the morning of June 14, 2026. The United States Coast Guard will continue to assist local and regional agencies with search operations. The operation has transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery effort. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department extend their thoughts and support to Mr. Edwards’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department would like to thank all of the agencies that assisted with this incident, as well as the witness whose quick actions helped save a life.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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Update 3:15PM:
A short time after 7:00 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting that several fishermen were in distress off the reef at Penfield Beach.
A preliminary investigation determined that while two fishermen were on the reef at Penfield Beach, the incoming tide quickly surrounded them, leaving them trapped on the reef with rising water and no safe way back to shore.
A witness observed the situation and immediately entered the water to assist. While the witness was able to help one of the fishermen, both were subsequently swept into deeper water. The Fairfield Police and Fire Departments dispatched multiple marine assets to the area. The Fairfield Police Boat was able to rescue the witness and one fisherman while other police and fire vessels continued searching for the second fisherman.
Additionally, the Fairfield Police and Fire Department Drone Units, in coordination with the Westport Police Department Drone Unit, assisted in search operations. Helicopters from the United States Coast Guard and Nassau County also responded. In addition to the Fairfield Police and Fire Department Dive Teams, dive teams from Westport, Monroe, Milford, Trumbull, Bridgeport, Nassau County, and Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue responded to assist in the search.
The rescued fisherman was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, due in large part to the heroic actions of the witness.
Despite an extensive search involving local, state, and federal resources, the second fisherman has not been located. The operation has transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery effort, and efforts to locate him will continue. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department extend their thoughts and support to the family and loved ones of the missing fisherman as search and recovery efforts continue.
The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department would like to thank all of the agencies that assisted with this incident, as well as the witness whose quick actions helped save a life.
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The Fairfield Police Department, in coordination with the United States Coast Guard and other public safety partners, is currently conducting a search for a missing person in the water off Penfield Beach.
We ask the public to avoid the area and refrain from approaching responders so that search operations can continue safely and efficiently.
Additional information will be released as appropriate.
