One person has been found dead after a boating accident in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
A frantic search was underway Monday night after a small boat without life jackets hit a jetty, leaving three unharmed and without life jackets.
The high speed caused the boat to break up and its occupants stranded in the water.
It is believed the group consisted of eight to nine men and women in their mid-twenties.
Two men are still missing, while the remaining passengers are all treated for their injuries.
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company described the situation as a “mass casualty,” a term used when emergency resources are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.
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The accident triggered a large-scale response from local and state authorities.
Rescue efforts included Guilford’s dive team, various boats, personnel and ambulances from nearby towns.
The Coast Guard and LifeStar, an air ambulance service, also deployed helicopters to assist in the search.
Old Saybrook, which is about 30 miles east of New Havenis known for its picturesque coastline, making the crash particularly shocking to the local community.
As the search continued, the local community expressed growing concern for the missing individuals, given the dangerous conditions on the water and the absence of life jackets.
The search was suspended overnight and will resume this morning.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.