At least three people have been reported missing with several others injured in what authorities are describing as a “major marine incident” that has caused “mass casualty” in Connecticut, officials said.
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Department says that the three people reported missing do not have life jackets and that multiple personnel and ambulances from the towns surrounding Old Saybrook, where the incident is currently ongoing, are assisting with the operation.
The boat — which had around eight to nine people on it — reportedly hit a jetty, according to ABC News’ New Haven affiliate station WTNH. The Coast Guard and LifeStar have helicopters on scene to assist in the search.It has been declared a mass casualty incident, reports WTNH.
“A mass casualty incident describes an incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties,” the North Madison Volunteer Fire Department said in a follow up statement online describing the operation.
No other details about the cause of the accident or the identities of the victims have been made available and the incident is ongoing.
Three people are currently missing following a major marine incident off the coast of Connecticut. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has left authorities scrambling to locate the missing individuals and determine the cause of the incident.
The incident took place near the popular fishing spot of Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to witnesses, a small boat carrying five people capsized in rough waters. Two individuals were rescued by nearby boaters, but three others remain unaccounted for.
The missing individuals have been identified as a father and his two teenage children. The family had set out for a day of fishing when tragedy struck. The father’s wife, who was not on the boat at the time of the incident, is understandably distraught and desperate for any information on the whereabouts of her loved ones.
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to scour the waters off the coast of Connecticut in hopes of locating the missing individuals. The Coast Guard, local police departments, and volunteer boaters are all working together to comb the area and bring closure to the grieving family.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but rough waters and inclement weather are believed to have played a role in the capsizing of the boat. Authorities are urging boaters to exercise caution when venturing out onto the water, especially in adverse conditions.
Incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can accompany recreational activities on the water. It is crucial for boaters to always prioritize safety and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
As the search for the missing individuals continues, the community is coming together to offer support and prayers for the family affected by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we hope for a swift resolution to this heartbreaking situation.
