Norwich — The Norwich Fire Department helped a fisherman get back to the marina and retrieved his kayak and fishing gear after his kayak tipped over in the Thames River on Tuesday afternoon.

Norwich Fire Battalion Chief Scott Merchant said the kayaker had ended up in the water near the Integrated Day Charter School and drifted, carried by the wind, down to the area of 485 Laurel Hill Avenue by Thames View Apartments.

The kayaker had a life preserver and was able to make it to shore, Merchant said. First responders then walked him out of the woods and returned him to the marina to reunite with his family. Marine One, the main fire boat for the harbor, retrieved his kayak and fishing gear.

The emergency call came in at 4:16 p.m., Merchant said. Laurel Hill Volunteer Fire Company was put on standby, but was not needed in the end.

Merchant said Norwich Alderman Derell Wilson, a paraeducator, is believed to have seen the kayaker from the charter school and placed a call.

Merchant said that, even though the water was extremely cold, the kayaker was perfectly fine and did not need medical attention.

k.drelich@theday.com