Governor Rell Signs Bill

That Toughens Penalty for Drunken Boating

Increases Jail Time, Fines for Causing Fatalities

Governor M. Jodi Rell today signed a bill into law that imposes harsher penalties – including longer prison sentences – for boaters convicted of killing someone while operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Governor proposed the legislation after a runaway powerboat slammed into a sailboat on the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook in 2007, killing sailboat passenger – Susan Brandes of South Windsor – and injuring three others. Authorities say the intoxicated operator of the powerboat fell out of his vessel moments before the crash. A close friend of Susan Brandes’ contacted Governor Rell after the accident and worked closely with the Governor’s Office on strengthening the law against intoxicated boaters. 

“Those who have callous disregard for the lives of others – whether it is on the road or on the water – will be dealt with severely,” Governor Rell said. “They have caused deep heartbreak for families and friends who have lost loved ones.”

Senate Bill 832, An Act Concerning Boating Safety, would raise the offense of operating a powerboat while intoxicated and causing a death to manslaughter in the second degree with a vessel – a Class C felony. The crime is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of up to 10 years. Under the previous law, an intoxicated boater who caused a death would be charged with reckless operation of a vessel in the first degree and faced fines of between $2,500 and $5,000 and up to two years in jail.

Susan Brandes, 53, was sailing with her husband and another couple when the unmanned powerboat sliced into their sailboat. A chemical engineer, Brandes was developing a clean fuel for NASA at the time of her death. She also volunteered on a committee to help state buildings become more energy efficient.

“Drunken boating is illegal, irresponsible and can change lives forever,” Governor Rell said. “These tougher penalties will give law enforcement another tool to make our waterways safe and prevent future tragedies.”

The new law takes effect July 1, 2009.