The body of a 41-year-old kayaker from New York was found near Stratford, Connecticut Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The search for Gregory Blanco, of Northport, New York, started after the Coast Guard received a call around 8:30 a.m. Monday from someone who saw a red 14-foot Carolina fishing kayak.
Crews located it four miles off the coast of Bridgeport, in the Stratford Shoal Middle Ground, according to the Coast Guard. It was unmanned but fishing gear and items identifying Blanco New York were found on the boat.
The search then ensued for Blanco, whose vehicle was found at the Soundview Boat Ramp Marina in Northport, New York.
Around 4 p.m., Stratford police found an unresponsive person in the water south of Stratford. The Coast Guard said Blanco matched the description of the person found dead.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Blanco during this painful time,” Commander Kevin Reed, Deputy Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, said in a statement.
