Man Charged In Triple Fatal Boat Accident In Old Saybrook

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — A Lyme resident was arrested on a warrant Wednesday in connection with a Labor Day boat crash in Old Saybrook that killed three people.

Clayton Hackling, 26, of Lyme, faces multiple counts in connection with the accident, which happened at the mouth of the Connecticut River Sept. 2.

The crash involved one vessel with nine people on board, according to Environmental Conservation Police with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

First responders were able to rescue six people from the water. Three deceased passengers were recovered from the water, police said. Survivors suffered serious injuries, according to DEEP.

An investigation showed Hackling had been operating the boat at the time, officials said.

Police secured a warrant for Hackling’s arrest Tuesday, and he turned himself in to police on Wednesday.

Hackling is charged with three counts each of second-degree manslaughter with a vessel, first-degree reckless operation while under the influence of liquor or drugs, and second-degree reckless operation of a vessel.

He also faces a charge of operation of a vessel while under the influence. Police additionally charged him with violating rules related to preventing collisions and the use of required and authorized lights.

Hackling is due to appear in Superior Court in Middletown on Jan. 28.

The three people killed in the boat crash were: Ian Duchemin, 25, of Oakdale, and Ryan D. Britagna, 24, of Waterford, and Christopher Hallahan, 34, of Westbrook.