Man Injured When 2 Boats Crash In Long Island Sound In Darien: Police

DARIEN, CT — A man suffered a serious leg injury Sunday morning in Long Island Sound off Darien when two boats collided, according to police.

The crash occurred at about 9:45 a.m. roughly a mile west of Greens Ledge Lighthouse on the Sound.

"A 33’ sailboat operating under power, with a single person aboard, ran into an anchored 20’ center-console whose occupants were fishing," wrote Darien police in a statement. "The 20’ vessel had three people aboard. The operator of the sailboat left the wheel for a period of time to retrieve an item below deck, leaving the vessel un-piloted."

The sailboat smashed into the center-console "on the right/rear side, forcing the rear of the boat underwater momentarily," according to police.

The man who was injured in the crash was sitting in the rear of the center-console, and was struck by the sailboat.

"The injured party was forced underwater momentarily by the impact of the sailboat, and suffered fairly severe injuries to his right leg," wrote police.

Both boats were able to get into 5 Mile River where the operators secured their vessels and contacted emergency personnel.

"The Darien Police Marine Division, the Norwalk Police Marine Division, and the United States Coast Guard- Station Eaton’s Neck all responded to the incident," wrote police. "The injured party was transported by Norwalk EMS to Norwalk hospital for further treatment."

Both the Darien police and the Coast Guard are conducting parallel investigations of the crash, and the Coast Guard cited the sailboat operator for “Negligent Operations” under the United States Code, according to police.

"The Darien Police Marine Division stresses the importance of having working VHF radios aboard, and being knowledgeable in their operation in the event of an emergency. When serious injuries occur on the water, a working VHF radio can save valuable time in seeking assistance as you can communicate directly with public safety vessels. The Darien Police Marine Division can be reached using VHF hailing/distress channel #16, as can the USCG and most other public safety agencies."

Photo credit: Town of Darien