Chris Hallahan Westbrook CT Death – The search for two missing men continues following a tragic boat crash in Old Saybrook that left one person dead and six others hospitalized.
The incident occurred late Monday night when a 31-foot boat, carrying nine people, collided with a jetty as it was returning from Block Island. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the crash was reported around 9:15 p.m.
He has has identified the deceased as 34-year-old Christopher Hallahan of Westbrook. His body was discovered on the boat following the collision. The boat’s operator, along with five other individuals, was taken to the hospital. As of Tuesday, DEEP officials reported that the boat’s operator remains in critical condition.
In light of the tragic outcome, State Environmental Conservation officials have indicated that the focus of their efforts is now a recovery operation. However, they maintain hope for a positive outcome. “We always hope for the best,” a DEEP spokesperson said on Tuesday, underscoring the somber reality of the situation.
The search for the two missing men resumed at 8 a.m. Wednesday, with crews combing the waters and surrounding areas. The operation involves multiple agencies working in coordination, utilizing boats, aircraft, and advanced sonar technology to locate the missing individuals.
The collision occurred as the boat was navigating back from Block Island, a popular destination for boaters. The circumstances leading up to the crash are still under investigation, and DEEP officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the incident.
As the search continues, the community is left grappling with the loss and awaiting answers. The DEEP and other authorities are urging anyone with information or who might have witnessed the incident to come forward as they piece together the events leading to this tragedy.