A tragic boating accident occurred at the mouth of the Connecticut River, leaving two individuals still missing. The incident took place when a motorboat carrying nine people crashed into a break wall at high speed near Harbor One Marina in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
According to officials, the boat broke into pieces upon impact, resulting in one fatality. The individual whose body was recovered was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. Six other passengers were rescued and transported to the hospital, with the boat operator currently in critical condition.
Authorities, including the US Coast Guard and state police, responded promptly to the scene. Search and rescue efforts were conducted throughout the night and resumed the following morning. Despite hopes for a positive outcome, officials indicated that the operation was likely to transition into a recovery mission.
Old Saybrook, a coastal town located approximately 30 miles east of New Haven, Connecticut, is now at the center of this tragic event. The town, with a population of around 10,000, is grappling with the aftermath of the boating accident.
Captain Keith Williams of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection emphasized the challenges posed by nighttime navigation, noting that even well-marked jetties can present risks after dark. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were described as ordinary, with an incoming tide and a light breeze prevailing.
As the search for the missing individuals continues, the community remains in shock over the sudden and devastating incident that unfolded on the Connecticut River. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
