Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

01/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2025 14:33

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Make Arrest in September 2, 2024 Fatal Boat Accident

Press Releases

01/22/2025

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Make Arrest in September 2, 2024 Fatal Boat Accident

(HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police arrested Clayton Hackling, 26, of Lyme, on January 22, 2025, in connection with the fatal boat accident that occurred at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook on September 2, 2024. EnCon officers conducted an extensive investigation with assistance from the New London State's Attorney Office.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, EnCon Police were notified of a single vessel boat crash in the area of the outer breakwall located at the mouth of the Connecticut River with 9 persons on board. Six persons were rescued from the water by first responders and a subsequent search that evening and over the following days led to the recovery of 3 deceased passengers.

The investigation determined that Clayton Hackling was the operator of the boat which resulted in serious injuries to passengers on the boat and 3 fatalities. OnJanuary 21, 2025, the Connecticut Superior Court in New Londonissued an arrest warrant for Hackling and he turned himself in at Troop F, where he was taken into custody by EnCon Policeon January 22, 2025.

Hackling is charged with the following:

  • C.G.S. 15-132a Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Vessel (3 counts)
  • C.G.S. 15-140l Reckless Operation of a Vessel in the First Degree While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drugs (3 counts)
  • C.G.S. 15-140m Reckless Operation of a Vessel in the Second Degree (3 Counts)
  • C.G.S. 15-133 (d) Operation of a Vessel While Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs (1 count)
  • C.G.S. 15-129a(c) Required and Authorized Lights (1 count)
  • C.G.S. 15-131(7) Rules for Preventing Collisions (1 count)

Hackling had a court set bond of $350,000.00. He was processed and released after posting his court set bond. His first appearance is set for January 28, 2025, at Middletown Superior Court.

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