A recovery mission is underway for a man believed to have been swept away by the Connecticut River on Saturday.
According to police, a 33-year-old fisherman was trying to retrieve a set of keys out of the water when a swift current pulled him in.
Police said the man was fishing from the west shore of the river when a female dropped her keys. The victim tried to get the keys by taking off his hat and sunglasses and getting into the water.
The incident happened around 5 p.m. Saturday, according to police.
Search and Rescue teams were immediately dispatched, to the west bank of the Connecticut River, south of Adrian's landing, authorities said. The Hartford Fire Department and the Hartford Police CREST Dive Team also responded.
Witnesses observed him above water, struggling for approximately 150 yards, moving quickly south downriver until he went under, police said.
The investigation is ongoing and man's name is being with held pending family notification. Police said on Sunday that because of murky waters, a strong current and the presence of debris, they don't expect to find him today.
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According to police, many portions of the Hartford River parks are currently flooded. The water level is very high in this tidal area of the river and the current is incredibly swift at this stage.
Police said the river may appear calm, but can be extremely dangerous with a powerful current.
Police urge anyone who may fish the waters of the Connecticut River from shore or vessel to always wear a flotation vest or device.
