New Haven, CT – Tragedy struck off the coast of Connecticut after two people were found dead following a boat accident near New Haven Harbor. The victims, a man and a woman, were discovered unresponsive on Thursday evening, hours after their boat went missing the night before.
Authorities say the pair had been aboard a 27-foot Sea Hunt motorboat that was last seen departing from Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill on Wednesday. When the boat failed to return, a search was launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire departments, and other rescue agencies.
The boat was eventually located near the west breakwall of New Haven Harbor, where it had crashed. Neither of the victims was wearing a life jacket, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with support from the Coast Guard. Officials are still working to determine how the boat ended up striking the breakwall.
As of now, the identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities are urging boaters to always wear life jackets and to exercise caution on the water. They are also asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to contact the Coast Guard’s Long Island Sound Command Center at 1‑866‑299‑8031.
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in recreational boating, and the importance of safety measures at all times.