A boating accident in New Haven Harbor turned deadly after a vessel reportedly struck a break wall and sank, killing both occupants on board. The victims have been identified as Cynthia Ferk, 64, and Floyd Maxson, 67, both of Stratford, Connecticut. Authorities confirmed neither victim was wearing a life jacket at the time of the crash.
The couple had dined at a restaurant in New Haven on the night of July 9, 2025. Surveillance footage confirmed they were seen leaving the area by boat around 9:30 p.m., intending to return to Stratford. However, when the 27-foot Sea Hunt center console boat failed to arrive, a search was initiated.
The U.S. Coast Guard began investigating after one of the victim’s cell phones pinged a tower near the west break wall in New Haven Harbor at approximately 9:40 p.m. The following evening, around 5:20 p.m. on July 10, the partially submerged vessel was located near the jetty. Both victims were found unresponsive and were later pronounced dead at the West Shore Fire District station.
Possible Causes of the Crash
According to investigators with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the vessel is believed to have collided with the harbor’s break wall—an artificial structure designed to protect the shoreline from waves. Collisions of this nature often occur due to:
- Limited visibility at night, especially without navigational aids or familiarity with the area.
- Lack of proper lighting on break walls, which can make them difficult to detect in the dark.
- Speed or distraction, particularly after social activities.
- Navigational errors or reliance on faulty GPS signals.
The precise cause remains under investigation, but the timing and location of the crash, combined with lack of life jackets, raise serious questions about nighttime safety protocols and situational awareness.
Dangers of Boating Near Break Walls
Break walls and jetties are common near harbors and inlets, and while they serve a protective function, they pose significant dangers to boaters—especially at night. Colliding with these structures can lead to catastrophic hull damage, capsizing, or blunt trauma to occupants.
Unlike channel markers or buoys, break walls are often unlit or poorly marked, and they may not be easily visible to the naked eye in low-light conditions. GPS and radar can help, but they are not foolproof and must be supplemented with vigilant navigation.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Boating at night introduces heightened risks, and operators must take extra precautions, including:
- Ensuring all navigational lighting is functioning.
- Operating at safe speeds and using charts or GPS to stay within safe channels.
- Maintaining a proper lookout at all times.
- Ensuring all passengers wear life jackets, particularly after dark.
When a fatal boating accident occurs, especially one involving a collision with a fixed structure, it is essential to investigate whether proper navigational practices were followed and whether any hazards were inadequately marked or illuminated.
What Families Can Do After a Fatal Boating Accident
Surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence played a role in the incident. These claims can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Loss of income and financial support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
Claims often require detailed investigations into vessel operation, poor weather conditions, lighting, and the presence (or lack) of appropriate safety features.
Consult With a Maritime Injury Attorney
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal boating accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we have experience investigating complex maritime accidents and representing families seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one.
Contact our team at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation with our maritime injury lawyers. We’re here to answer your questions and help you move forward during this difficult time.