Fairfield Men Killed in Boating Accident on Long Island Sound

Two Fairfield men died after an August boating accident on Long Island Sound.

According to the Environmental Conservation Police, the 53-year-old and 46-year-old male victims were aboard a 32-foot 2017 Sea Fox power boat that was traveling south in New Haven Harbor. At some point in the evening hours, the boat struck the north side of the west breakwater wall in the harbor area, causing both men to be ejected from the vessel and suffer fatal injuries.

The boat was discovered the next morning. One man’s body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard on the breakwall. A 10-hour, 61-square nautical mile search ensued for the other man, and his body was recovered later that evening by the Connecticut State Police Dive Team.

Both victims were taken to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsies. Law enforcement officers were investigating the cause of the accident, paying special attention to the condition of the boat.

The importance of boating safety

Boating can be an incredibly fun activity in our region, but it’s important for all boaters to operate their vessels safely and responsibly. Anyone operating a boat should be mindful of the conditions, including weather and light. If conditions appear to be hostile, it is important to use common sense and avoid taking chances.

All boat operators should also avoid alcohol and take courses training them on how to operate their vessels. Anyone on board a boat should wear a life jacket and be comfortable with swimming, as it could become necessary in an emergency.

To learn more about your options if you’ve been injured in a boating accident, speak with a dedicated Long Island personal injury lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP.