New Lights For Old Saybrook Breakwater After Accident

Old Saybrook Light, photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.

New navigational lights are now lighting the way along the Old Saybrook breakwater at the mouth of the Connecticut River—the site of a deadly boat accident in September 2024.

The new lights are part of a boating safety effort spearheaded by the mother of one of the boat accident’s victims.

The fatal boat accident occurred on Labor Day, September 2, 2024, at the outer breakwall at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Nine people were onboard. Six were rescued from the water by first responders, but the bodies of three people were recovered over the following days. Ryan Britagna, 24, of Waterford, Connecticut, Ian Duchemin, 25, of Oakdale, Connecticut, and Christopher Hallahan, 34, of Westbrook, Connecticut, were all killed as a result of the accident.

In January 2025, police arrested Clayton Hackling, 26, of Lyme, Connecticut in connection with the accident.

A investigation by police with assistance from the New London State’s Attorney Office determined that Hackling was the boat’s operator at the time of the accident.

According to the arrest warrant, GPS data showed the vessel’s speed moments before the collision was 49 mph. The documents also claim Hackling’s blood alcohol level was .17 percent, more than twice the legal limit. And a slightly higher one of .19 percent was reportedly found when his bloodwork at the hospital was tested.

In the months after the crash, Ryan Britagna’s mother created a nonprofit called Light the Way that has worked to light the breakwater and promote boat safety.

In addition to the new lights, the nonprofit aims to improve navigational aids, establish a boater safety training program, acquire a training vessel, and build a team of experts.

Learn more about Light the Way here.