Man Dead, 2 People Missing in Connecticut Boat Crash as Search Enters ‘Recovery’ Phase

Authorities are continuing their search for two missing individuals after a tragic boating accident in Connecticut that claimed the life of one man. The incident, which took place on the night of Monday, Sept. 3, has left the community in shock as officials work tirelessly to locate the missing and determine the cause of the crash.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) confirmed that first responders were dispatched to the scene in Old Saybrook at around 9:15 p.m. local time. The distress call reported a serious boating accident near the Harbor One Marina, prompting an immediate response from emergency teams. Upon arrival, they discovered a boat partially submerged and adrift, with significant damage to its structure.

According to DEEP, the boat involved in the accident was carrying a total of nine people. The vessel was found near the northern end of the east break wall at the mouth of the Connecticut River, where it had struck the barrier with enough force to cause substantial damage. The impact was severe, leaving the boat half-submerged and raising concerns about the fate of those onboard.

“The boat suffered extensive damage after colliding with the east break wall,” the agency explained in a statement. The damage was so severe that multiple passengers were ejected from the vessel. Tragically, one man was found deceased at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, pending notification of his family. In addition to the deceased, six other individuals were rescued and taken to a local hospital for treatment. The boat’s operator is reported to be in critical condition, adding to the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, the search continues for the two people who remain unaccounted for, as officials race against time to find them.

Search and rescue operations persisted late into the night, with efforts extending until around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Despite the challenging conditions, the search resumed early the following morning, as crews remained committed to locating the missing individuals.

During a press conference held on the morning of Sept. 4, DEEP EnCon Police Capt. Keith Williams provided further details about the ongoing operation. He revealed that the boat, a 31-foot open motorboat, was returning from Block Island when the accident occurred. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but authorities are working to recover the vessel, which may provide crucial evidence.

Capt. Williams emphasized the difficulty of the situation, stating, “We’ll continue our efforts as long as necessary until we make recoveries.” However, he also acknowledged the grim reality of the search, noting that the operation is now being treated as a search and recovery mission rather than a rescue. “We always hope for the best,” he said, “but at this point, it’s most likely going to be a recovery.”

Reporters pressed Williams for more information, but he was unable to provide certain details, including the identities of the missing individuals or whether the 911 calls originated from those on the boat. He also declined to comment on whether speed or impairment might have been factors in the crash, citing the ongoing investigation.

The boating accident has drawn widespread attention, with many expressing their condolences and concern for the families affected. The community remains on edge as the search continues, hoping for a resolution to this heartbreaking incident.

By David Chiu @ People. Published on September 3, 2024 12:25PM EDT