Search continues for 6-year-old boy who fell into Housatonic River in Stratford

STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Crews continue searching for a 6-year-old boy in the Housatonic River in Stratford, according to the police and fire departments.

Stratford police said the boy fell into the river while walking on the Birdseye Street boat ramp at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. A United Illuminating employee jumped into the river in an attempt to save the boy, but he has not been found.

The boat ramp remains closed, according to the fire department.

Terry Dunn, a former Stratford police officer, said the situation is something that you would see on TV, but not expect to happen here.

“It’s a treacherous current,” Dunn said. “Like we’ve said before, it’s for boating and not for swimming. Something like this kind of brings that home.”

Police said that a Coast Guard cutter and Stratford Fire Marine unit will continue to search overnight. Stratford firefighters will reassemble a command post at the Birdseye boat ramp on Thursday morning.

The video below is from News 8 at 10 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2025.

Coast Guard officials said they have boats and a helicopter on the scene, along with boats from the Bridgeport and Stratford fire departments. The vessels are searching the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound.

Stratford police added that crews from Fairfield, Westport, Shelton, Trumbull, Guilford, Monroe and the Connecticut State Police also responded to the scene. Jet skis, drones, and dive teams were also deployed in the search.

The public is urged to avoid the area on land and the water.

Dunn knows the waters of the Housatonic River well. He noted that in his experience, you either find people quickly or you don’t see them successfully.

“We hope for the best and we have to prepare for the worst,” Dunn said. “Your thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of this child.”

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.