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Woman Killed In Runaway Boat Crash

Powerboat Crashes Into Sailboat

POSTED: 10:49 am EDT July 9, 2007
UPDATED: 3:04 pm EDT July 9, 2007

A boater faces charges after his runaway powerboat crashed into a sailboat off the shore of Old Saybrook on Sunday, killing a woman and injuring three others.

Police arrested Gregory Siege, 44, of Madison, on Sunday and charged him with one count of first-degree reckless operation of a vessel while intoxicated. Police told Eyewitness News no one was at the wheel of the 20-foot powerboat when it crashed into the 14-foot sailboat, which had four people on board.

State Department of Environmental Protection authorities said Siege fell off his boat before the crash and officials pulled him from the water.

Police said they believe Siege was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his boat crashed into the sailboat on the Connecticut River, killing a 53-year-old woman. Another person who was injured in the crash had their arm severed.

Police said the other passengers -- a 62 year-old woman, a 61-year old man and a 69 year-old man -- were injured in the crash about one-half mile south of the Amtrak railroad bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook.

"They received lacerations and are being treated right now," DEP police Sgt. Thomas Bull said.

The three victims remained hospitalized on Monday morning. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the sailboat occupants.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Katy Zachry reported boaters who passed by the scene just south of the Baldwin Bridge described it was gruesome.

"It's a tragedy what happened and I really feel for the people involved," said Kim Sekelsky, of New Milford.

DEP continues to investigate the incident and the two boats remain in the department's custody. State authorities released Siege on a promise-to-appear. He is scheduled to face a judge on July 19. He could face up two years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 if convicted.

Click here to e-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 860-244-1700.
Refresh WFSB.com often and Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest news updates.

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