On Monday, a boat crashes into jetty in Old Saybrook, Connecticut state, near Harbor One Marina. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reported that the boat was damaged and partially submerged. Also, according to the reports, nine people were on board during the accident, and unfortunately, one was dead, and two are still missing.
Details of the Accident: Casualties and Missing Persons
The 38-foot cigarette boat was returning from Block Island for a trip when it crashed into an east-facing jetty at the mouth of the Connecticut River at 9:15 p.m., DEEP officials reported to the media. After the incident, search teams found one man dead early Tuesday. Officials from DEEP have identified the deceased man as 34-year-old Christopher Hallahan from Westbrook, who was found on the boat. Furthermore, according to the authorities reports, two people in their 20s are still missing. Unfortunately, they are believed not to have been wearing life jackets.
Rescue and Search Efforts
Upon awareness of the accident, rescue teams, boats, and ambulances from nearby towns quickly came to help find the missing people. The Coast Guard also dispatched a helicopter from Cape Cod to assist in the search. Also, several agencies joined the search efforts for the operation, including Middletown Fire Dept., Middlesex Health EMTs, Essex Fire Dept., Clinton Fire Dept., North Madison Volunteer Fire Dept., Goshen Fire Dept., Old Saybrook Fire Department and more.
Rescue teams saved a man and five women in their 20s and 30s and took them to the hospital. Among them, four people were injured. Further, rescue teams are still finding two people missing.
“We always hope for the best,” said Capt. Keith Williams of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police during a press conference on Tuesday morning. “From what we’re seeing from evidence, early stages … it’s most likely going to be a recovery.” He said further.
Investigation
No further details about the cause of the accident or the identities of all the victims have been released. Williams mentioned that the investigation is still in its early stages, and local authorities are investigating further. Also, he noted that he wasn’t aware of any weather issues at the time of the accident and confirmed that the jetty was well-marked.
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